for: Gregory Boyce
New Orleans Progressive Examiner
At 2:46 pm local time, northeast Japan was rocked by its strongest earthquake in over a century, an 8.9-magnitude monster temblor that created terror in the hearts and minds of people some 81 miles away in the streets of Tokyo.
For most of the 12.9 million people that call Tokyo home, the sheer shock of the earthquake more than likely generated thoughts of "this is it, this is the end of my world", as they witnessed shaking buildings, cracking streets and spontaneous fires, ignited by the deadly combination of broken gas and power lines.
The earth's latest violent convulsion originated some six miles deep in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 78 miles off of Japan's northeast coast and violently unleashed a tsunami as high as 33 feet, (10 meters) completely engulfing towns located along the northern coast.
At least 50 people were killed by the 33-foot wave and many are missing, according to state broadcaster NHK Television, which showed footage of waves sweeping away buildings and vehicles as far as three miles inland. Airports were closed and bullet train services suspended. More than 4 million homes are without power, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said.
“Major damage occurred in the Tohoku area” north of Tokyo, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said in a nationally televised address after convening an emergency response team. “I call on citizens to act calmly. Especially those who are near a beach, please evacuate to higher ground to avoid the tsunami.”
The world’s strongest earthquake in more than six years struck at 2:46 p.m. local time 130 kilometers (81 miles) off the coast of Sendai, north of Tokyo, at a depth of 24 kilometers, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It was swiftly followed by several 7.1- magnitude aftershocks the agency said.
The Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea were among more than 20 countries bracing for a possible tsunami, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Hawaii is currently on Tsunami watch, warning residents of the islands to move to the safety of higher ground.
Prime Minister Kan in response to the catastrophe has ordered the army to assist in ongoing rescue efforts. “The Self-Defense Forces are already mobilized in various places,” Kan said.
Boats from the Sea of Japan propelled by the force of the monstrous tidal wave, smashed into inland buildings, sweeping up tons of projectile debris and automobiles.
Adding to the mayhem, an oil refinery on fire outside Tokyo exploded, sending plumes of black toxic smoke in the air. A nearby nuclear power station was shut down as a precaution. As reliable reports filter in, updated news of the crisis will be posted.
As always, the New Orleans Examiner is interested in what you think. Can we expect more natural disasters of this magnitude to occur as the number of globally documented irregular weather patterns and seismic sifts continues to increase? Inquiring minds want to know. Sound off.
Until next time Louisianans, Good Day, God Bless and Good Fishing.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Strongest Earthquake in over 100 years cripples Japan, generates Tsunami - New Orleans Progressive | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/progressive-in-new-orleans/strongest-earthquake-over-100-years-cripples-japan-generates-tsunami#ixzz1GIyqmWjR
Gregory Boyce is a husband, small business owner and retired US Army veteran. He's traveled throughout the United States and lived abroad in Central America and Europe. Although originally from Brooklyn, Gregory has lived below the Mason Dixon line so long, he considers himself an adopted son of the South. He's passionate about writing and interacting with people from all walks of life.
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