North East Japan Suffers Major Earthquake Which Triggers Tsunami
North East Japan has suffered an enormous earthquake, measuring 8.9 on the scale. The earthquake in turn, triggered a Tsunami (a giant wave of water) which is travelling across the Pacific basin. It is anticipated that the wave, travelling at 400 plus miles per hour will hit coastlines in the region throughout the day. Japan has declared a State of Emergency. The earthquake occured off the coast of Sendai, in North East Japan where the tsunami hit the coastal town wrecking everything in its path.
Who Is Most Likely To Be Affected?
The Region known as the Pacific Rim is the “border” of the Pacific Ocean – coastlines of countries facing the Pacific may be affected. The Pacific Rim is also known as The Ring of Fire due to the high level of geological activity, which creates earthquakes and tsunamis. The tectonic plates which form the floor of the ocean bed, shift and move over or under each other. Japans’ earthquake has effectively shifted the ocean floor by as much as two metres.
This has created a huge amount of energy, dispersed through the ocean. The first of the waves were originally several metres high, sweeping vast amounts of water inland, so powerful that cars, buses, and buildings were swept up with it. The death toll is rising and as of 14.00 British Time had reached in excess of 100.
Tokyo, 240 miles away, was relatively unscathed, although the earthquake had a dramatic effect on office workers, who were shaken to the floor by the ground rocking buildings. The Japanese are used to earthquakes but rarely does an earthquake occur on this scale. This is the biggest recorded earthquake in Japan, an astonishing 8,000 times more powerful than the one that recently hit Christchurch in New Zealand.
What Does This Mean for Other Countries?
Low lying islands have been warned of the oncoming Tsunami, and are preparing as well as they can for the hit of water. Taiwan has downgraded the tsunami, as has Indonesia, but Hawaii is preparing for coastal damage.
Emergency Helpline
UK and USA have offered specific rescue assistance to Japan and the Foreign Office have issued an Earthquake Helpline found on the BBC website. 02070080000
You will find more detailed information available via The BBC news where the situation is being closely followed.