japan 9.0 magnitude earthquake

hi everyone, thank you all so much for all the tips and advice on new york for my trip. i feel so blessed for all your support.

On March 11, 2011 japan was hit with an enormous earthquake the 5th largest earthquake of all time and the hardest earthquake Japan has ever faced. The tragic earthquake in Haiti last year had a magnitude of 7.0 and try to recall the amount massive of damage it inflicted and all the lives it took, the one that erupted in Japan today is 707.945 larger than that haiti earthquake.

"The quake that struck 2:46 p.m. was followed by a series of aftershocks, including a 7.4-magnitude one about 30 minutes later. The US Geological Survey upgraded the strength of the first quake to a magnitude 8.9, after initially saying it was 7.9. The quake struck at a depth of 10km, about 125km off the eastern coast, the agency said. The area is 380 kilometres northeast of Tokyo. The quake was so strong it moved the entire country's location by approximately 2 meters (about 6.6 feet) "

 

Luckily, because Japan experiences small earthquakes frequently, they are better prepared. most buildings are constructed to be much safer in the event of an earthquake, (Japan is said to be the most prepared nation the world for earthquakes) however because this one is so strong there still has been catastrophic damage and many areas have been swallowed by water.

the death toll exceeds 10,000 (updated march 13, souce: daily nation and CBC news) thousands remain missing. Many of those deaths were cause from drowning, numerous aftershocks followed the initial earthquake and tsunami warnings were issued all along the pacific coast.

tsunami warning predictions in Japan

Fortunately, the tsunami waves produced from the quake have not caused extensive damage along the Pacific rim, however 1 person is confirmed dead from the harbor of Crescent City, California after attempting to photograph the tsunami waves. Japan was already facing a huge problem with depopulation as the economy forced everyone, woman included to work full-time and less people had the time to start a family. it is unknown how japan will repair itself from this disaster
"Prime Minister Naoto Kan addressed the nation shortly after the quake, saying the government will do "everything possible to minimize the damage." " - The Washington Post

even today (Saturday, March 12, 2011) japan is still, experiencing and expecting more aftershocks.  another earthquake with a magnitude of over 7.0 is expected (70% chance) within the next week. Japan has faced over 370 aftershocks since Friday. 

"On Saturday, an estimated 6.4-magnitude quake hit near the east coast of Honshu at about 10:15 p.m. local time, just 82 kilometers from Fukushima, home of the already damaged nuclear reactor that stoked fears of a meltdown. Another quake on Saturday registered 6.1. - CTV news

students show their support in their school in Ahmedabad, India

Canada: Text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $10
USA: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 

As of March 12, Canadians have already donated over $77,000 to the Red Cross! (source) Please show your support!

to learn more please read these from the boston globe, CTV news , the Japan Meterological Agency and earthquake.usgs.gov
have a loved one in japan? wireless phones are down but landlines are still working! (call 613-943-1055 or 1-800-387-3124) or try google person finder.

UPDATE (3/12/2011): The Japan Meteorological Agency has revised the magnitude of Friday’s earthquake to 9.0, up from 8.9. (source: BBC news)


this post will be edited as a i get more information, my heart goes out to everyone suffering from this earthquake and i hope help comes quickly to those in need.

it seems we just keep discovering the earthquake was worse and worse. stay strong japan!







 

Tweet