Japan 9.0 Quake, Tsunami and Nuclear Crisis

[ddiiaanne]

It's amazing how powerful this wave is!
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/japan-tsunami-damage-follows-89-earthquake-20110311-1bqym.html?from=smh_sb
Live video on Fox News..I don't know how to post the footage.

[zzontar]

It is awful, I'm all over these threads trying to get someone to post the footage on youtube of the cars getting washed away as I'm having problems doing so. Unfortunately it looks like there will be a high death toll.

[ddiiaanne]

It's supposed to hit Hawaii? There's a tsunami warning there...

[jaz301]

I am watching http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/ and it looks bad.

And for tsunami warnings I read this on twitter BBCBreaking
#Tsunami warnings also issued for Guam, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Micronesia and Hawaii

[GordonH]

It also being talked on here viewtopic.php?f=28&t=24020&start=345

[jaz301]

Just heard that there has been 1 reported death. unfortunately that number is most likely going to go up.

[LoneWolf_53]

Definitely will have to keep those people in our prayers.

For all the knowledge man possesses he will never be able to tame nature and its fury.

[grammafreddy]

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/0 ... 1&iref=BN1

slideshow here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42023385/ns ... iapacific/

[grammafreddy]

Latest - 8 confirmed dead so far

and Hawaii has issued an evaluation for the coast

[massromantic]

In case anyone was wondering, here's the latest from the Tsunami Warning Centre [as of 2:15am]:

http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/l ... pd9-05.htm


The Tsunami Warning continues in effect for the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Point Concepcion, California to the Oregon-Washington border.

The Tsunami Warning continues in effect for the coastal areas of Alaska from Amchitka Pass, Alaska (125 miles W of Adak) to Attu, Alaska.

The Tsunami Advisory continues in effect for the coastal areas of California from the California-Mexico border to Point Concepcion, California.

The Tsunami Advisory continues in effect for the coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-Washington border to Amchitka Pass, Alaska (125 miles W of Adak).

A Tsunami Warning means that all coastal residents in the warning area who are near the beach or in low-lying regions should move immediately inland to higher ground and away from all harbors and inlets including those sheltered directly from the sea. Those feeling the earth shake, seeing unusual wave action, or the water level rising or receding may have only a few minutes before the tsunami arrival and should move immediately. Homes and small buildings are not designed to withstand tsunami impacts. Do not stay in these structures.

All residents within the warned area should be alert for instructions broadcast from their local civil authorities. A tsunami has been recorded.

A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.


I just moved to Vancouver Island, so I'm monitoring this thing closely now... :sleepdeprived:

[NAB]

I'm awake on Vancouver Island massromantic. Nothing to really worry about on our or the US west coasts except for a few specific areas, so am going back to bed. But I have been watching the reports from Japan - and that is one major disaster on so many fronts.

By the way, as to the Island, anything that does arrive will be mainly at the North west area (northern tip and perhaps down to Tofino). Expected arrival is around 7 AM this morning. About 4 hours from now. (now 3 AM as I post this)

Nab

[grammafreddy]

BBC Live streaming ... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598

[grammafreddy]

The predicted tsunami on the BC coast was a non event - tagt

AM1150 has some good coverage this morning. http://ckfr.player.amri.ca/

[grammafreddy]

Apparently the worst hit area is farm lands in the northern area and has decimated their food crops which will create a food shortage for the Japanese people.

[NAB]

Yes, I was thinking similar gramma. Then there is that disabled nuclear reactor cooling system to worry about too, hope that thing doesn't leak and contaminate a wide area.

Apparently, the worst prior earthquake to hit Japan was in the 1800's, and 27,000 people died. Another one earlier last century killed around 3000, and still another one later killed 129 or so. This one is reported as killing somewhere north of 300 so far.

Still, it could be far worse, but the Japanese tend to learn well from their experiences and apply the lessons learned. That, combined with a well informed, highly organized, and disciplined society, stands them in good stead when disaster strikes.

It really do make me shudder to think what we are like by comparison, and what the result might be should a similar disaster strike here. Fortunately, at least when it comes to Vancouver Island and the part of the mainland sheltered by it, the main areas exposed to tsunami risk are not highly populated or massive tourist destinations (Victoria area a possible major exception). Most of our population otherwise is on the east side and protected by mountain range. The ones most in danger of tsunami impact on the east side are the ones who don't know enough to make their homes well back from the water fronts, away from river deltas and water courses, and on high ground.

Nab