Japan: UPDATE

Today another earthquake of magnitude 6.6 struck Japan. It was strong enough to knock out electricity in surrounding areas as well as cause landslides. Even now efforts are underway to rescue people trapped by the landslides. In addition to these troubles there is still the nuclear threat. The Fukushima power plant continues to pose a threat to neighboring towns as radiation continues to leak. The extent of the evacuation has already been extended. It has been exactly one month since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake first struck Japan and things don’t seem to be looking up.

Our hearts go out to Japan as they continue with efforts to rebuild in the wake of so many tragedies. However, they aren’t in the clear. Especially with today’s earthquake the fault lines in Japan are undergoing a great deal of stress, which poses the threat of more earthquakes and aftershocks in Japan’s future. One danger is the stress on a fault line relatively close to Japan’s capital, Tokyo. An earthquake in Tokyo would inflict severe damage on Japan’s economy, infrastructure, and resources. In spite of the damage that has already impacted Japan, there is still reason to be wary for the future. Either way, my fingers are crossed that these fears go unfulfilled and that Japan recovers soon.

Another Aftershock for Japan

     Our prayers are with Japan in the wake of yet another tragedy. Thursday night Japan suffered from the effects of another aftershock.  Initially measured at magnitude 7.4 it was later downgraded to 7.1. It’s a relief that no serious damages were reported, especially considering it came from around the same area as the March 11^th aftershock that claimed the lives of over 25,000 people and spurred the recent nuclear crisis. After the extreme devastation that has struck Japan recently, this aftershock just adds to the problem. Although it didn’t cause much severe damage the aftershock still had its impact. Goods were knocked off of shelves in stores and multiple nuclear power plants temporarily lost power. Many buildings were shaken—some damaged—and many areas were left without power. Due to the tsunami warning several people went to stores to prepare in fears of a repeat of the events from March. Luckily, there was no tsunami and the warning was soon removed. Considering the threat that this aftershock posed to a mid-recovery Japan, it’s a relief that there was so little damage. Our thoughts are with those in Japan as well as their family and friends around the world.