Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 29, 2011 --

Earthquakes are certainly known to mankind to be one of the most feared, horrible and perilous occurrences which most often turn into calamities with extensive damages accompanying its aftermath. Earthquakes cause not only extensive destruction of properties, but also cause injuries and even worse, the loss of human lives. The recent magnitude 9 earthquake which hit the Northeastern part of Japan on March 11 was indeed very distressing because it claimed the lives of thousands of Japanese residents, injured thousands and some are still missing. What’s worse is that the earthquake’s powerful magnitude caused a tsunami, which hit the towns nearest to the earthquake’s epicenter. To date, the death toll has already reached more than 10,000, and this number is expected to increase in the coming days as recovery efforts continue in this disaster-stricken region.

Japan is located in East Asia, in an area where several continental and oceanic plates meet. Because of the many volcanoes and hot springs across it, earthquakes are very common in Japan, and it is said that Japan is one of the most well-prepared countries in terms of earthquake and disaster preparedness. Despite this contention though, what happened last March 11 was one of the strongest earthquakes which hit the country, and the tsunami which was an upshot of the earthquake was not really expected, and hence, was what caused the unforeseen devastation.

It is said that the most destructive earthquake is the tectonic earthquake. This is associated with a large damage on the earth’s crust. There are also earthquakes of non-tectonic origin which are caused by volcanic eruptions and some other factors. The damage that happens when there is an earthquake depends on its magnitude. Generally, the stronger the magnitude, the greater its expected effects and area of coverage. If it happens on a populated area, it becomes very dangerous because it may lead to the death of a greater number of people. The impact of an earthquake is always disastrous. It leads to cracking of a wide area of land, and huge buildings falling of. These occurrences put the lives of many people in danger as huge objects may fall on them.

If an earthquake happens below or close to the ocean, it may trigger great tidal waves or tsunamis. Back in January, Japanese seismologists warned that the tectonic plates colliding beneath the Pacific Ocean off the north-east coast of Japan were poised to slip catastrophically (The Economist), and it is said that what occurred last March 11 was caused by thisThis is basically what happened in Japan recently since the epicenter of the earthquake happened in the Pacific Ocean, near the Eastern coasts of Japan, along Sendai and Fukushima, which were two of the hardest hit regions in the country. Tsunamis are said to be one of the most dangerous calamities in the world, especially the huge waves measuring more than the height of a house. . The height of the waves range from 2 meters, but in coastal locations, the tidal range can be even greater (Tsuchiya & Shuto, 154). If a tsunami reaches great heights, like more than a few meters, it really becomes very dangerous because it may carry with them the people, the cars, or any objects where they can pass through. Large buildings, bridges, and any establishments may be destroyed by these huge waves covering a town at a high-speed rate and with full-strength.

The worst earthquake that happened in Japan was the Great Kanto Earthquake which hit the Kanto Plain around Tokyo in the year 1923 with a magnitude of around 7.9. That earthquake took 100,000 people’s lives. What happened on March 11 at 2:46 in the afternoon, was an enormous 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the Northeastern coast of Japan (USGS), creating an extremely huge and destructive tsunami waves which hit Japan only a minute after the earthquake. Around 10,000 people were found dead and 18,000 are still missing. A warning was issued to the towns that lie two miles from the coastline; some decided to evacuate, but some decided to stay home which led to a high number of missing people. According to CNN, it took only 30 minutes for the enormous waves to cover the towns of Japan. Some people tried to reach the higher ground, but unfortunately for some, time was not on their side and they were soon engulfed by the raging floodwaters. Only a few buildings remained standing still while the others were destroyed by both the earthquake and the tsunami. There are believed to be hundreds of aftershocks, which delays the coming of the search and rescue teams. Up to the present time, aftershocks still rock the country, and only last Tuesday, March 15, merely 4 days after the mega-earthquake, a magnitude 6 earthquake again rattled the Northeastern provinces of Japan.

During the tsunami, large vehicles, trucks, vans, cars, and many objects were carried by the huge waves. Washed out by the tidal waves were not only large and small objects but also people riding in their cars, people on/in their houses, who – however shocking – were also carried by the tsunami. Streets and bridges were destroyed and most business establishments were flooded and engulfed in murky waters. People on the more elevated areas waved their hands or any clothes asking for help for them to be rescued. The City was covered with water and all sorts of debris - large objects, cars, trees, etc. which was one terrifying scene to look at. The tsunami reached the 4th floors of the buildings. There were large numbers of bodies carried by the tsunami to the shores. The strong wall of the tsunami washed out everything where it passed through. Ports and airports were not spared and were also destroyed.

Days after the tragic calamity, more heartrending images have emerged as the media has publicized everything pertaining to the calamity. Those who were fortunate to have lived through this disaster are now seen roaming the streets. Some of the more morbid scenes - dead people trapped in large objects, cars piled one on top of the other, vacant lots where houses once had been, etc. Areas that were hit by the tsunami were totally destroyed, and all kinds of debris are scattered everywhere. Worst than anything else, dead bodies that were carried by the tsunami were seen along the shore lines, lying on the streets, and there are thousands of them. These people did not have the chance to save their lives while the huge, strong and gigantic waves of the tsunami were coming to them. Patients from hospital buildings have been transferred to safer areas. Water and electricity is gone, and food is running out. Japan is now very different from what it used to be. The economic status of Japan is going down. It is very heartbreaking to see the outcome of the said calamity. The people who survived were crying, roaming around everywhere, searching for their family members who are still missing. This shows how devastating the effects of the tsunami were to most of the affected areas in Japan.

Different countries around the world have sent a number of volunteers to give assistance to the people affected in Japan. These volunteers have brought with them relief goods like clothes and food for the victims who survived the devastating calamity. People from all over the world have sent their sympathies and condolences to the people of Japan and prayed for them. Still in the grips of this disaster, the people of Japan are quietly sitting, freezing, and having poorly furnished shelters that have no power or heat. Hungry and thirsty, they stand in long lines, patiently waiting to have food and water. Their courage in the face of overwhelming adversity is almost beyond anyone’s understanding.

The Japanese have overcome a destructive world war some years ago. They have recovered from lots of earthquakes, disasters and calamities. Cars, boats and houses washing across the open fields are merely material things and can always be replaced. The wounds created by this devastation may be deep and the scars will never disappear. However, Japan is a beautiful nation and it is expected that it will rebuild itself again very soon. For a nation as resilient as this, recovery is definitely in the offing and Japan will be back on its feet in no time. All it takes is determination and some help from neighboring countries. Indeed, the world has a lot to learn from this tragic event in the history of Japan.

References
“Magnitude 9.0 – Near The Coast Of Honshu, Japan.” US Geological Survey (2011) Web. 17 March 2011.
Tsuchiya, Y. & Shuto N., (1995) Tsunami: progress in prediction, disaster, prevention, and warning. The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers, Web. 17 March 2011
“Faulty Thinking”, The Economist, (2011), Web. 17 March 2011.

More information can be found online at http://www.thessayist.com

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