While the Tohoku region suffered a massive 8.9 (7th largest in recorded history) magnitude earthquake, Tokyo only suffered around a 6.1. We were in class at the time and need to hide under the desks for safety. Outside one of the electric poles started sparking as the quake went through. That's about it. No one here was hurt that I know of. There were some frightened students. We actually had a new group of Thai students enter just today. One hell of a first day.
All the trains have stopped running and the streets are packed with vehicles. Some students walked home, but I live ten miles away so it was impossible. I and a few other students are staying over at the school. Shinjuku (where I am) is wicked packed. The convenience stores are practically sold out of everything readily consumable.
Overall, this thing seems to be being blown out of proportion. There were 65 confirmed deaths last I heard and, while tragic, smaller earthquakes in Haiti and China have caused tens of thousands of deaths. The main damage seems to be structural at this point as the Sendai airport seems to be completely trashed. I believe this to be amazingly fortunate. I do, however, hope you join me in sending prayers or whatever your respective religions can in the direction of those at the epicenter of this quake.
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteYou knucklehead! This is not being blown out of proportion. There were 300 bodies seen floating in one area of the sea alone! I am so glad to see this post. Very frightened I had lost you or you were hurt! We love you!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASSE PLEASE PLEASE come home safe! (Ok, I'm crying now. Gotta go.)
Love you, Aunt Vicki
Dude, you just gave me the worst sleep ever. Glad to hear you're ok, I'mma take a nap now. Mom says be safe.
ReplyDeleteAllow me to classify my statement that might have come off as insensitive. My statement was relative to earthquakes of lesser magnitude, but greater death toll. Secondly, I'm working with information as I hear it. The 300 bodies thing is relatively new. I expect more deaths, but can't predict how many. The deaths in Haiti were due, in a large part, to the poor living conditions post quake. Japan, being a more economically developed country, should be able to handle post quake problems more efficiently.
ReplyDeleteThe news here says aftershocks registered here in Ohio and tsunami pics are very sad. Stay safe and I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteIt's a little funny to read your mild annoyance at the earthquake. Then again, I'm odd. Glad you are keeping this up instead of deleting it because it is good to know that even a 8.9 earthquake can't shake (poor choice of words) your sarcasm. It's great.
ReplyDelete