Japan hit by tsunami caused by 8.9 quake; tsunamis landing elsewhere

[Baraka_Guru]

Hawaii is to be hit soon, and there are apparently warnings for the west coast of the U.S. and Canada. The tsunami's reach also affects much of the South Pacific.

The magnitude of destruction is devastating. They had live footage of the waves on the news last night.

YouTube - Devastating tsunami hits Japan

YouTube - Devastating tsunami hits Japan

Japan suffers major damage in 8.9 quake
At least 60 dead, according to reports
CBC News
Posted: Mar 11, 2011 1:27 AM ET
Last Updated: Mar 11, 2011 7:51 AM E

A powerful earthquake struck off Japan's northeast coast Friday, triggering a tsunami that swallowed homes, swept away boats and cars and forced people to scramble to higher ground.

At least 60 people were killed and dozens were reported missing after the magnitude 8.9 offshore quake, which was followed by at least 19 aftershocks.

"The earthquake has caused major damage in broad areas in northern Japan," Prime Minister Naoto Kan said at a news conference.

There were no reports of any injuries to Canadians living or travelling in Japan, the Department of Foreign Affairs said at about 7 am ET.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the 2:46 p.m. local time quake had a magnitude of 8.9, making it the biggest earthquake to hit Japan since officials began keeping records in the late 1800s. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, about 125 kilometres off the eastern coast, the agency said.

Tsunami watches and warnings were issued for major stretches of the Pacific, including the west coasts of South America, the United States and Canada.

A wave measuring an estimated 50 centimetres was expected to hit parts of British Columbia at around 6:30 am PT, though little to no impact was anticipated in the major cities of Vancouver and Victoria.

In Japan, residents in affected areas were urged to make their way to higher ground as the tsumani, which reportedly measured between four and seven metres, swept towards land.

"There were warnings immediately telling people to stay away from coastlines and to seek higher ground or to go to the third or fourth floors of the buildings they were in," said Andrew Horvath, a Canadian living in Kyoto.
'Enormous damage' reported

Horvath said the massive wave swamped many dikes in the country's northeast, leaving a massive trail of debris. Dozens of cities and villages along the 2,100 kilometre stretch of coastline were shaken by violent tremors that reached as far away as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres from the quake's epicentre.

Waves of muddy waters swept over farmland near the city of Sendai, carrying buildings far inland, sometimes on fire, as frantic residents attempted to drive away. Sendai airport, north of Tokyo, was inundated with cars, trucks, buses and thick mud deposited over its runways. Fires spread through a section of the city, public broadcaster NHK reported.

The tsunami roared over embankments, washing anything in its path inland before reversing directions and carrying the cars, homes and other debris out to sea. Flames shot from some of the houses, probably because of burst gas pipes.

Dozens of fires were reported in northern prefectures of Fukushima, Sendai, Iwate and Ibaraki. Collapsed homes and landslides were also reported in Miyagi.

"Our initial assessment indicates that there has already been enormous damage," Chief government spokesman Yukio Edano said. "We will make maximum relief effort based on that assessment."

He said the Defence Ministry was sending troops to the quake-hit region. A utility aircraft and several helicopters were on the way.

He also said a nuclear power plant in Fukushima developed a mechanical failure in the system needed to cool the reactor after it was shut down in Friday's earthquake.

He said the measure was a precaution and there was no radiation leak at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant. He said the facility was not in immediate danger.

In downtown Tokyo, large buildings shook violently and workers poured into the street to safety. TV footage showed a large building on fire and billowing smoke in the Odaiba district of Tokyo. The tremor bent the upper tip of the iconic Tokyo Tower, a 333-metre steel structure inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

"In my apartment building, which is a three-storey building, it was shaking back and forth," said Craig Dale, a Tokyo-based freelance reporter.

Osamu Akiya, 46, was working in Tokyo at his office in a trading company when the quake hit.

It sent bookshelves and computers crashing to the floor, and cracks appeared in the walls.

"I've been through many earthquakes, but I've never felt anything like this," he said. "I don't know if we'll be able to get home tonight."
Millions without power

Sadia Kaenzig, a spokeswoman for the international Red Cross, said that there are fires and damage to buildings and key infrastructure.

"Power cuts are reported for 4.4 million households," she said, noting that there were also scattered reports of landslides.

She said the Japanese Red Cross has already deployed a team to the affected areas to assess the damage and provide assistance.

Kaenzig said the Red Cross and other organizations across the Pacific are monitoring the situation as the tsunami threatens other nations.

"We are trying to push them to put in place to put in measures of preparation and preparedness," she said.

President Barack Obama sent his condolences to the people affected by the quake and the tsunami, saying the U.S. "stands ready to help" the Japanese.

"We will continue to closely monitor tsunamis around Japan and the Pacific going forward and we are asking all our citizens in the affected region to listen to their state and local officials," he said.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper also offered his condolences and said Canada will "stand by the people of Japan during this difficult moment."

He said in a statement that Canadian officials are carefully monitoring tsunamis in the Pacific.

Japan's worst previous quake occurred in 1923 in Kanto, an 8.3 magnitude temblor that killed 143,000 people, according to the USGS.

In later decades, Japan brought in strict building codes designed to minimize earthquake damage and loss of life, restricting the harm from seismic activity.

Still, a 7.2 magnitude quake in Kobe city in 1996 killed 6,400 people.

Japan lies on the "Ring of Fire" — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones stretching around the Pacific where about 90 per cent of the world's quakes occur, including the one that triggered the Dec. 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami that killed an estimated 230,000 people in 12 nations.

A magnitude 8.8 temblor that shook central Chile last February also generated a tsunami and killed 524 people.

Japan suffers major damage in 8.9 quake - World - CBC News

[jewels]

This is so scary. Be safe, TFPers and all who may be impacted.

[genuinegirly]

Been listening to the radio for news updates on this all morning. I hope that people are able to evacuate before the next wave hits. Terrifying stuff.

[Jove]

Unfortunate news. What I find odd is why an island has several nuclear power plants when something like this could occur?

[roachboy]

wow. i feel a little badly about looking at footage and/or photos because i feel like a disaster tourist or, worse, a voyeur.

that said:

Earthquake in Japan - Alan Taylor - In Focus - The Atlantic

[WhoaitsZ]

to all affected i am sorry and my thoughts are with you.

[Baraka_Guru]

On a positive note: after the first waves hit, there were no major issues in Hawaii.

No major U.S. damage from tsunami waves

[Cimarron29414]

Anyone else starting to feel like the Mayans knew what they were doing with their calendar?

[Fremen]

I hope, if bundy is still living in Japan, he's alright.
(edit- hehe, wherever he's living, I hope he's ok.)

Also, flyman, get thee to the roof!

Condolences to the families of those that have perished, and here's hoping we'll see no more lives lost.

[dlish]

as far as i know bundy was still living there. hope he's ok.

Japan, stay strong!

[The_Jazz]

Looks like Hawaii and the Americas missed most of the waves. That's good news. The bad news is that Northern Japan is seriously fucked up.

I think I remember that bundy was in Tokyo, in which case there's a better chance of him being ok. Anyone else remember that?

They have nuclear reactors because they don't have a better way to produce electricity, Jove. No big rivers, no big coal deposits, no big natural gas deposits - those are the usual ways to generate power.

Most of the reactors seem to have held up just fine. Unfortunately, it may not be all of them.

[Willravel]

I believe the most recent death toll estimate is a little over 1,000. For what it's worth, my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who had their homes destroyed, or were injured or killed in this disaster.

Japan has been dealing with tsunamis and earthquakes for a very long time, and every generation technology and planning has improved to deal with the effects. While this was a devastating quake and tsunami, the largest earthquake in the 140 years of records, ultimately the damage is much much less severe than it would have been elsewhere, like here in California, because of brilliant civil engineering and disaster management planning. I would venture a guess that Japanese nuclear plants are among the most safe in the world when it comes to earthquakes and tsunamis.

[Charlatan]

I think Sty and Ratman are also in Japan. I think Ratman is on the east coast though. I don't know about Sty.

[noodle]

My friends in Okinawa said they were doing okay this morning,
but no one has heard from them since about 9 am EST.
I haven't heard if that area was impacted,
just that there was concern about low-lying islands.
I am geographically-retarded when it comes to this area of the world,
even with google maps, should we still be worried about them in that area?

[Charlatan]

Okinawa is way south of the main part of Japan. The main impact was felt in the north east part of Japan. I haven't read anything to suggest that the south felt much of the earthquake or was impacted by the tsunami.

[kramus]

Got to admit, the nuclear power problems are pretty scary to me. Not sure why back-up on site generators would cut out after a short period and lead to the concerns that are currently making the news, but I would bet the "fallout" (not even trying to be funny here folks) from this could be much worse than any earthquake/tsunami double punch if they don't get on top of it pdq.

[genuinegirly]

Waves are even felt in space - The Kibo lab on the International Space Station is taking directions from Houston since their base in Tsukuba was heavily damaged in the earthquake.

Snippets quoted below, read the full article here: Japan Earthquake & Tsunami | Earthquake Shuts Down Japan's Space Station Center | International Space Station, Japanese Astronauts | Space.com

Earthquake Forces Closure of Japan's Space Station Control Center by Tariq Malik, SPACE.com Managing Editor

Japan has shut down its primary space center — including a control room for part of the International Space Station — after the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck the country today (March 11).

JAXA, Japan's space agency, evacuated its Tsukuba Space Center in Tsukuba, Japan, following an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that have devastated the country.

The space center oversees Japan's Kibo laboratory on the space station, as well the JAXA's unmanned cargo ships that deliver supplies to the orbiting lab. Flight controllers with Tsukuba's Space Station Integration and Promotion Center have been sent home for safety, JAXA officials said.

A small team of JAXA flight controllers was visiting NASA's Johnson Space Center at the time of the quake and is available to provide assistance should it be required, NASA spokesman Kelly Humphries told SPACE.com.

NASA flight controllers at the Houston center and at a payload operations center at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., are overseeing the station's Japanese systems, Humphries said.

Japan also has a rocket complex used to launch spacecraft and satellites into orbit called the Tanegashima Space Center on the island of Tanegashima in the country's southern region. Sagara said that space center has come through the earthquake relatively unscathed.

Sagara said that the spaceport is relatively far from the earthquake’s main destruction zones. It is also built on top of a cliff, offering protection from any tsunami waves, she added.

[kramus]

NBC, msnbc.com and news services
updated 6 minutes ago 2011-03-12
T09:35:41
breaking news

"Explosion rocks quake-hit Japanese nuke plant
TV footage shows building's crumbled walls; 'We are now trying to analyze what is behind the explosion,' official says "

I do not like this head line. I do not like it one little bit.

[noodle]

I've had REM in my head since yesterday and it's not funny anymore.

[james t kirk]

One of Japan's nuclear reactors just exploded.

BBC News - Japan earthquake: Explosion at Fukushima nuclear plant


Youtube video:

YouTube - Video of blast at Fukushima nuke plant, radiation leak reported

YouTube - Video of blast at Fukushima nuke plant, radiation leak reported

This is VERY BAD.

I get the feeling the Japanese nuclear officials have been lying to us.

First it was everything is OK, then maybe a leak, maybe not, then we have to vent some steam, but everything is fine, now this.

[genuinegirly]

Crazy video, Kirk. Thank you for sharing.

[noodle]

Im not sure they were lying, I thnk there was some overconfidence and they really didn't believe that it would really get this bad. I was watching al jazeera last night because they rarely censor or make things "viewer friendly", plus they never say "chair-noble", and it seemed like they were convinced their technology would hold.
However, I did feel a little comfort on the lack of mushroom cloud from the explosion. I'm not near a real computer, any word on the core? Whether it held or not?

[Fremen]

Please tell me there are other things in that plant that would cause an explosion, other than a meltdown.

Also, dear lord, I hope no lizards lived near that nuclear power plant...

[noodle]

Not my favorite source, but CNN is reporting that there is no core leak.

CNN--Japanese official says pumping system caused nuclear plant blast

[Cynthetiq]

I keep looking at the footage and all I'm waiting to see is Godzilla in the background. It is so devastating that I still have a hard time fathoming that I'm not watching some sort of kaiju movie when I was a kid.

I've been trying to find out if Sty is okay, but I haven't heard anything.

[genuinegirly]

Oh no, Sty is there? I hope that he is all right.

[RogueGypsy]

Not really a laughing matter, but Cyn's comment about Godzilla almost made me spit coffee. I've been thinking the same thing. After seeing the whirlpool that formed yesterday, I keep seeing scenes from a movie flashing through my head, thinking 'Holy shit, they knew' . I still can't remember the name of the movie though. It's the one with the aliens, Jajaguar (sp) the transformer robot thing.. I think it was MegaGodzilla. Anyway, thanks Cyn, I was beginning to think I was loosing it.

To all those affected, I hope you're doing well.

Saw a brief on the USGS web site. They estimate the Earth quake moved Honshu 8" and the Earth's pole 10". WOW


..

.

[The_Jazz]

Looks like the reactor isn't leaking. Thank god.

Also, a Chernobyl is impossible there because of the primary and secondary containment systems they that the Soviets didn't. Which is one reason why the US Nuclear Insurance Pool won't extend into Soviet-bloc countries.

[dlish]

i knew you had the insurance bit taken care of jazz..

i heard that the earthquake made the day 1.6 of a billion of a second longer. who knew you could measure it to that precision?

[The_Jazz]

I've got nothing to do with that kind of insurance, although I know folks who do.

There's a thought that this could signal the beginning of a global shift in the industry, though, towards higher prices. The initial numbers I'm hearing are in the hundreds of billions of dollars in insurance claims.

[Craven Morehead]

I heard a spokesman from AFLAC being interviewed, that company insures 1 out of 4 Japanese. They'll take a hit but I would imagine they've covered the risk with reinsurance agreements.

Also saw that this quake did not occur where the 'big one' was predicted to occur. Meaning, the 'big one' in Japan is still possible.

This one was certainly big enough, it moved the coast of Japan by 8 feet and moved the Earth's axis by 4 inches! The physics required to do that is just staggering.

[The_Jazz]

More likely than not, Craven. But that's just disability insurance for the injured. Honestly, the loss probably won't be that big for that niche. Commercial property losses are going to be astronomical. The runway at the airport is going to have to be replaced. The nuclear plant will probably be decommissioned. The refinery will have to repaired. Whole blocks will be torn down.

[Craven Morehead]

incredible pictures

[Brandon_31]

It makes me so sad to see that this has happened to such a great country. A few friends of mine have posted some things on Facebook, saying people have said this is "payback" for the Pearl Harbor bombing, back in 1941. I was like... really? It makes me so aggravated when people show their true ignorance like that.

I pray for the families of those affected. Truly tragic.

[The_Jazz]

Originally Posted by Brandon_31

It makes me so sad to see that this has happened to such a great country. A few friends of mine have posted some things on Facebook, saying people have said this is "payback" for the Pearl Harbor bombing, back in 1941. I was like... really? It makes me so aggravated when people show their true ignorance like that.

I pray for the families of those affected. Truly tragic.

People that say things like that clearly know nothing about Hiroshima or Nagasaki. I'm with you - ignorance.

[Baraka_Guru]

I say ignorance mixed with malice.

The ignorance is tied into the thought that something like an earthquake can in any way be related to human actions from decades ago.

Yeaaah.... Pearl Harbor somehow caused the earthquake....

[noodle]

The latest from aljazeera is that the Japanese Meterological Society has revised their rating to a 9.0 earthquake... and that two of the cores may have already experienced meltdowns, they can't see them. I keep watching with a sense of morbid fascination. I dislike that about myself, but there's something about it that feels more real than the last horrific tsunami or the Katrina mess.
I'm glad none of my facebook friends are that stupid. They'd be decommissioned immediately and with extreme prejudice.

[Lindy]

Originally Posted by Brandon_31

It makes me so sad to see that this has happened to such a great country. A few friends of mine have posted some things on Facebook, saying people have said this is "payback" for the Pearl Harbor bombing, back in 1941. I was like... really? It makes me so aggravated when people show their true ignorance like that....

Well, I guess that everyone has their agenda. They must be spiritually related to those asshats from the little church in Topeka that protest at military funerals, and claim dead soldiers are God's punishment for American acceptance of homosexuality.
I have a friend who is strongly anti nuclear power, who believes that whole part of the world will turn into a wasteland, like Chernobyl. Sad, but I almost think that he would like to see that end of it turn out badly for the Japanese, who have been leaders in nuclear generation of electricity. I hope my friend is disappointed.

Lindy

[fill23ca]

2nd explosion at Japanese nuclear plant - World - CBC News

Nuclear officials believe a second hydrogen explosion has occurred at the stricken Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan.

The inner reactor container was intact after the explosion, an official said Sunday night.

Grey smoke was seen rising from the reactor.

More to come

[Shauk]

Originally Posted by Brandon_31

It makes me so sad to see that this has happened to such a great country. A few friends of mine have posted some things on Facebook, saying people have said this is "payback" for the Pearl Harbor bombing, back in 1941. I was like... really? It makes me so aggravated when people show their true ignorance like that.

I pray for the families of those affected. Truly tragic.

Friends who would say such things would no longer be my friends, period. I have no room in my life for people who would gloat in the face of the misery caused by this disaster. All I have to say to someone like that is to get the fuck off your pedestal and choke on a dick.

also, in more news of people trying to be dicks in the face of tragedy. Are the people who made this image

posted it up in a youtube video.
The logo in the image belongs to Austrailian Radioation Services. the Image came out on friday, ARS was closed until Monday and was not able to react to the image in a timely manner, leaving this image to develop in to a flashmob of mass hysteria.

They released an official statement

http://www.australian-radiation-services.com.au/ DISCLAIMER: Australian Radiation Services is aware of information about radioactive contamination being spread from the Japanese nuclear reactor incident released under the ARS logo and name. We wish to be clear that this information has not originated from ARS and as such distance ourselves from any such misinformation.

Now I tried to figure out why someone would incite hysteria like this.
The user who posted the video posted stuff like

"II
‎0-50 rads - No obvious short-term effects

80-120 rads - You have a 10% chance of vomiting and experiencing nausia for a few days

130 -170 rads - You have a 25% chance of vomiting and contracting other symptoms
...
180-220 rads - You have a 50% chance of vomiting and having other severe physical effects

270-330 rads - 20% chance of death in 6 weeks, or you will recover in a few months.

400-500 rads - 50% chance of death

550-750 rads - Nausia within a few hours ; no survivors

> 1000 rads - immediate incapacitation and death within a week or less."

While linking to Potassium Iodide Tablets for sale online, trying to sham people for money out of mass hysteria and misinformation. It's the y2k thing all over again.



So between that, the people talking shit about pearl harbor, and all asswipery that people have been displaying online during this disaster, I'm reminded that while 50% of the people out there are above average in common sense, intelligence, and compassion for their fellow human being, the other half is full of people that just remind me of everything that's wrong with our society.