Click on Image Below to Go To
Large Before-and-After Images of the Japanese Quake
Before and After Pictures - Japan Earthquake March, 2011
When you visit the page above (click on the picture to go to the New York Times website – new window will open up) be sure to move the middle bar that’s between each picture to the left and right to see the before and after pictures.
Whole coastal towns and villages were simply annihilated within 10 minutes of the quake. How many were able to grab any belongings and escape with their lives?
Within 10 minutes, were they able to drive far enough to avoid the cataclysmic onslaught of water and debris?
They were already reeling from the quake itself, a shocking 8.9 on the Richter scale. That’s huge. The emotional shock and impact would have been stupifying. Then, it would have required extraordinary presence of mind to react quickly, gather family and belongings and race out the door to high ground within mere minutes, even seconds.
Furthermore, how were they to know that the tsunami wave was barreling upon them within these mere minutes? They probably couldn’t have believed such disaster could possibly be so imminent.
There were cars driving on roads close to the coastline. Some cars were even going towards the coast as opposed to away from the imminent tidal wave. They probably had no clue, no realization of the approaching danger.
Was there a siren? Hopefully, yes. In which case, the people, still in a state of panic from the quake, would have had to rush about, jump quickly in their vehicles without grabbing vital possessions, and head towards higher ground which most likely was quite far away, perhaps even more than 10 minutes distance.
Could you grab children and pets and move so quickly? I doubt if I could… it would be natural to try and grab laptops, important papers, water, food, diapers, bottles, medical supplies… and by then, the wave would be upon you.
It’s a terrifying prospect…
THIS GOES TO SHOW THAT PREPARATION IS VITAL. Always have your important items easily available. And then, sometimes, 10 minutes isn’t even enough.
Whatever, preparation is key, but running quickly may be paramount. I would gather water, some food, backpack with wallet and such, jackets, shoes and go. Everything else would have to stay.
Doubtless I couldn’t find the cat… but I would grab my family, hamster and dog included. Then, it’s off to the hills if I were so lucky.
Would there be vehicles to block my way? Would there be gas in the car? All these things to consider.
Are we ever really prepared? These events come upon us so unexpectedly. Now, more than ever, I believe it’s important to have an emergency preparedness kit. Right by the door.
Hopefully, none of us will not ever have to use it.
Multitudinous blessings to everyone in Japan. This country is the most prepared in the world for such events. But, they’ve had a 1 -2 -3 strike against them.
1. Earthquake
2. Tsunami
3. Nuclear Events
Furthermore, they’re having one of the worst fiscal crises in their modern history. With global help, they can recover – people are incredibly resilient.
Will there be other disasters around the world? Will we all have to contend with more earthly tremors, both skyward and subterranean grumblings, burps and storms in the near future?
One of the main volcanoes in Hawaii has begun to spew large amounts of lava having form a large pool of molten rock within its sizable crater. It seems the rim of fire is becoming more active.
Another thing to consider is that the Earth’s axis has shifted approximately 10 centimeters due to this quake. Japan’s coastline has shifted approximately 10 feet.
What does this mean for us? What impact will a pole shift have? Some scientist say very little. Others say that magnetic storms and geological upheaval could result. What do you believe?
I believe that the Earth has a way of letting us know that things are afoot… there are signs and indications. And we are receiving such such signs now. Will they continue?
I believe so, because I have noticed great weather changes within the last 10 years or so. Additionally, the great animal deaths (a million fish in the Redondo Beach harbor just within the last few weeks), the loss of bees, butterflies, amphibians are SIGNALS not to be ignored.
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The power of all this is mindboggling. For instance – within hours, the tidal waves caused by the tectonic movement in Japan reached the California coastline, devastating the Crescent City harbor. How many miles is that, exactly? It’s 5,500 miles as the seagull flies.
It’s time to be sure to be prepared. Have stores of water and food and home, and a mobile pack just in case one has to flee.
Such are modern times… perhaps such have always been the state of affairs but now we are kept more in the know with Internet technology.
Most importantly, it’s imperative to have good presence of mind and a loving, wholesome attitude. This is a time to gather together, support one another, accept each other without recrimination, and also call each other to task.
Community support is vital. Love Thy Neighbors and Thyself.
Blessings to all, especially to the Japanese people who are suffering under such devastating travails. It is time for the human spirit to rise and remember the indomitable will…
The only way to go from here is ever onward and forward.
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http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html
