Plate Tectonics

The Earth shook stronger than ever, here in our new homeland. Being the biggest ever for Japan and the 5th biggest in the world. Luckily it was out in the Pacific and not a direct hit on land. It’s crazy, because we watch NHK world (an Asian news station all in English) almost every night, and we were so shocked by the earthquake that just hit New Zealand. Not a big quake, yet it just by chance hit right under a major city. This Japan quake actually had a pre-quake on Wednesday, as you can see thanks to this lovely iPhone quake app picture below. In fact one of Tyler’s L3-Cyprus friends had asked us if we were fine on Wed., yet we had no idea what he was talking about. Then this bigger event occurred two days later, we thought maybe he had future seeing powers, but now we know that there had been pre-quake activity. Anyways this quake was apparently 8,000 times stronger then the New Zealand one.

Enough of the news story, as the TV is probably overloaded. We found out about the disaster while shopping at a local thrift store. The large flat screen TVs were displaying pictures of the ocean in chaos. No flooding, just boats/ships being pushed around into each other and into the cement port barriers. What on Earth is going on we thought?? Then a map of Japan in the corner appeared with red, yellow, and orange flashing around the coastlines. Yep, the tsunami warnings had begun. As you can see with the map below, our house is located on the north side of the southern island. So no warnings for us, though our house is only a two minute walk from the beach. It does make us think, what will we do if one happens nearby while living here. Our boss even sent out an email saying there is chance for possible aftershocks in the night and be prepared:

“Here’re things we say to be ready for earthquakes:

1.Keep the water in the bathtub, in case your toilet have non-flushing problem.

2. Keep the slippers / sneakers or so on the bedside, in case for the broken glasses.

3. Keep the flashing light beside you.

4. Keep all the doors opened except the house entrance door only for the secure purpose.

5. Charge the cell phone till full.

6. Keep the bottle of water or so enough.

When you have any worry, scariness, lack of info, difficulty of languages, and such in dangers, call me any midnight time.  You are not alone in the dark of the non-info.”

So now we know what to do in the event of a disaster.

Thanks to all those who thought of us. And be ready for some great new stories and photos in a weeks time!