Japan was struck by its strongest earthquake in at least a century, an 8.9-magnitude temblor that shook buildings across Tokyo and unleashed a tsunami as high as 10 meters, engulfing towns along the northern coast. At least 18 people were killed by the 33-foot wave and many are missing, according to state broadcaster NHK Television, which showed footage of waves sweeping away buildings and vehicles as far as 1.5 kilometers inland. Airports were closed and bullet train services suspended. More than 4 million homes are without power, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said. “Major damage occurred in the Tohoku area” north of Tokyo, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said in a nationally televised address after convening an emergency response team. “I call on citizens to act calmly. Especially those who are near a beach, please evacuate to higher ground to avoid the tsunami.” The world’s strongest earthquake in more than six years struck at 2:46 p.m. local time 130 kilometers (81 miles) off the coast of Sendai, north of Tokyo, at a depth of 24 kilometers, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It was followed by a 7.1- magnitude aftershock at 4:25 p.m., the agency said. Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-11/earthquake-hits-japan-causing-tsunami-major-damage.html
I got a call from a friend this morning telling me about it. Its horrifying just watching the videos of the earthquake and tsunami. Thoughts go out to those who have lost their lives.
We talked about this in my class today, and despite the damage, supposedly the internet is still working which makes many people happy. Although if you don't even have power why would you care about internet?
It is interesting to see everyone's views on this situation, and how different country handle this differently. Personally, This hasn't really effected me. As well, I am not interested in the tusnarmi bit, what I am more interested in is the Nuclear Reactors that keep blowing up, as they could quite possibly kill us all, and not in a good fun way.
