Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

[susanne]

I hope any Japanese LB readers and any family and friends of forum members are safe. I also hope everyone on the northern California and southern Oregon coasts were safe as the tsunami hit our coast.

I spent this morning studying assorted geological, seismic, tsunamic and historic maps related to this catastrophe, which has left me even more shocked by the magnitude of this disaster. We haven't begun to see even the tip of the iceberg on this one. Massive casualties, destructions to cities and infrastructure, the loss of not only crops but vast amounts of topsoil.

In cases like this, I always wish I were able to send huge amounts of money or could go and help, but I will send all that I can and help in any way possible.

 

[Matt73]

Don't forget B.C., too. I really worry about the whole west coast because, as the experts have said, that region is way overdue for a major earthquake. And all the other earthquakes are helping to set off others that are on the verge. Scary.

You can send $10 through the American or Canadian Red Cross. If everyone in Canada and the U.S. did that, it would amount to billions of dollars

 

[susanne]

Matt, you are so correct about the "big one" yet to come. The Japanese earthquake and tsunami should be a huge wake up call for all of us, but especially those around the Pacific Rim's ring of fire.

I hadn't mentioned the other areas in this case, going on the assumption that the immediate threat of tsunami has passed, but the danger is always present along the Pacific Ocean. According to many, Friday's coastal warnings have served as a much needed drill.

I also agree with you about always remembering to help your neighbors, both local and international.

 

[Miniv]

We (on the Pacific coast) are All a part of what is considered "The Ring Of Fire".........a rim of volcanoes and where two earth plates come together. There's no question that the earth quakes from Japan, New Zealand, and Chile are all connected. It's good that people are taking notice.

Personally, I have been Sending Prayers and Healing to the people of Japan (with Reiki).....If we can't send money then Prayer and Light is the least we can do........

Just heard that a 13 year old 4-H student from Japan who our daughter knew over the summer is safe, and his family too.

Oh, and our grown up exchange student from years ago finally contacted us from Christ Church, New Zealand, to let us know she and her kids were all safe too!

This is truly a small world.

 

[susanne]

This is a subject that has fascinated me since childhood -- geology in general and volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis in particular -- hence delving into maps to clarify the situation. I was raised on an extinct volcano (Mt. Scott, outside of Portland) and later lived next door to another (Mt. Tabor, in Portland), so the ring of fire has been second nature to me.

I remember my older sister's book with the traditional tsunami art, and telling adults that it wasn't a tidal wave, it was a tsunami (how's that for obnoxious...) I also remember National Geographic's article on the great Alaskan earthquake and tsunami of 1964, and the illustration of a locomotive engine being picked up by the ocean's surge -- that stuck with me for life.

I've always been amazed how lackadaisical people could be on the coast, even after the 2004 South Pacific tsunami. Now we have this current situation -- a tsunami generated from across the ocean that can wipe out the wharves of Crescent City, California, is indeed a force to be reckoned with.

The Oregon coast has one great advantage with its mountains rising up almost directly from the sea -- high, safe land is not far away. But much of the Washington coast, including our beloved Long Beach, is flat and vulnerable. It really doesn't matter, though, if people don't take alarms seriously and move inland or into the hills. This is a case where many truly have their heads in the sand!

 

[Minimor]

As bad as it is, it may be going to get a whole lot worse--our National news just reported that an official has stated that a partial meltdown is likely underway in one of the nuclear reactors. Two others are at rist--the three of them have all lost their cooling capacity. This could get very, very bad.

 

[Maxi'sMinis]

CNN is reporting that the earthquake has moved Japan mainland 6 or 8 feet to the east. It also shifted the earth on its axis 10cm. Just unreal.

 

[HGFarm]

Yep the Earth and Mother Nature are not happy right now.... and this earthquake and the large 'aftershocks' they are having is really scary! Then the nuclear plant, oh man... and guess where the wind blows everything from Japan? East!!

Seeing the videos of all that happening over there was like something out of the worst horror movie and just completely unbelievable. Did you hear they rescued a man from the roof of his house that was NINE MILES out to sea?!!

I am just scared for what else is to come..............

 

[Katiean]

They had to dump sea water in 2 of the reactors to keep them from melting down. They say the 2 reactors are no longer usable because of the sea water. I am sure they did all they could before making that last ditch effort. My hart goes out to these people. What can you do with all of the debris? Maybe burn the wood. But look at the large ships that are a good 10 miles inland. I am sure some of the boats are still good. They are just not in the water. How do you clean up such devastation?

 

[ohmt]

I only briefly glanced at the article today, but this morning I believe they found thousands of bodies washed onto shore in japan

I think there are a lot of families who could use some prayers right now.