Friday, March 11, 2011

[International News] Pray for all the 19 countries that are on Tsunami Alert!

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#prayforjapan
We are starting a chain of prayers for all the people hit by the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan,and the one that just hit Hawaii and also that the intensity is reduced before it reaches other Countries.. Pls.don't break it. This is the least we can do. & I'm not sorry for this broadcast ! RIP to those who suffered ♥

Japan struck by massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami

Something different for a change.



     An 8.8 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Japan earlier today. The official time of the quake in the epicenter was Friday, 11 March 2011 at 02:46:23PM. The epicenter was 24.40 kilometers deep and about 125 kilometres off the coast of Japan, 380 kilometres northeast of Tokyo. The tremor was felt as far as Beijing, China. The resulting Tsunami 10 meters high was reported at Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures.

     Miyagi prefecture is bearing the brunt of the earthquake and tsunami, with the coastal city of Sendai being the worst hit with many injured and killed. Cars, ships, and even buildings were swept away by the tsunami. Widespread flooding has been reported in many areas. Much damage has also been reported in the capital Tokyo, it caused a power outage in about 4 million buildings in and around Tokyo and surrounding areas. Phone lines are down as well as other telecommunication services.

     As of time of posting the confirmed death toll stands at 100, and around 4000 injured and many missing. This does not include the 200 to 300 bodies just found on a beach near Sendai.


 

     There are damages in other prefectures in Japan. In Fukushima, there has been a landslide with people buried underneath. An unknown university building and a hotel in Sendai has collapsed, among others. The roof of a school hall collapsed during a graduation ceremony attended by more than 600 people. Sendai airport was submerged and closed. Narita airport was closed but has restarted operations for some flights. Public transport in Tokyo have stopped, however some are already starting up.

     The four closest nuclear power plants closest to the earthquake have safely shut down. The Onagawa Nuclear Plant has caught fire but it has since been extinguished. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant however is in big trouble, there are unconfirmed reports of a radioactive leak. An evacuation order has been issued to residents living within 3 kilometers of the plant. 14 major fires have been reported around japan, including a huge one at the Chiba Oil Refinery.

     Prime Minister Naoto Kan quickly assembled his cabinet after the quake hit, and the government quickly dispatched naval vessels from near Tokyo to the worst-hit northeastern area of Miyagi.

     More than 50 nations and territories, nearly the entire Pacific basin, have issued Tsunami warnings. China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, the west coast of the Americas, and all pacific islands (including Guam). Coastal areas have been evacuated. However the tsunami waves that hit Taiwan was only 10 centimeters high and at the rate the wave is losing power there shouldn't be much damage in other countries. Nevertheless people are advised to stay away from coastal areas.

     The massive earthquake is japan's biggest ever, even bigger than the Kobe earthquake. It is the 7th largest ever in record. In comparison, the Boxing Day earthquake on 2004 was 9.1 magnitude. Several quakes had hit the same region in recent days, including one with a 7.3 magnitude on Wednesday. Many aftershocks have been reported, including 3 with magnitudes higher than 6.0, with many more to come.

     Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the earth's most seismic active areas. Tokyo lies on the junction of 3 intercontinental plates. Because of that, large buildings in Japan are earthquake resistant. But because of the sheer size of the quake, large buildings shook violently and workers poured into the street for safety.



     Something more related to AKB48 now. AKB48, SKE48 and NMB48 have canceled all events, shows and activities for today, tomorrow and the day after. This includes overseas activities. Most AKB48 members reported to be safe including those overseas in Guam. SKE48 has confirmed the safety of all it's members. There has been no word from NMB48 or SDN48. All AKB48, SKE48, SDN48, NMB48 member contacted and safe. However the AKB48 Theater suffered damages and is closed until further notice.

http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10828058179.html. Translated by loveandcoffee
Today we closed the theatre because of the Pacific Ocean Earthquake that has hit the Tohoku region, but at the moment we are not able to safely examine and repair the theatre.
As you, the fans, know well, AKB48 Theatre has a lot of hanging spotlights, moving lights, hydraulics.
In order to perform a check of their operativity and security, how many days will it take? When will we be able to call some expert in order to perform a check in the current situation? We have no way of predicting this.
Until we are able to offer to the fans the chance of watching theatre show in a safe environment, we will temporarily close the theatre.
Since aftershocks are continuing I have no way of saying anything, but as soon as I know the details I will announce them to you.

Moreover, to everyone who was worried about the members' safety:
I have just managed to get in touch with all members of AKB48 and SDN48.

Lastly, I am praying for the safety of all the people who live in the zones that were deeply affected by this earthquake.
In Tokyo public transportation has collapsed, and I think many people are feeling uneasy.
I wish everyone can feel relieved as soon as possible.
I think everyone is the same in feeling uneasy.
During these times, let's group strongly together and support each other!