A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Japan this weekend, wrecking tremendous damage to the infrastructures and injuring at least 50 people. The most intimidating part of it, however, is the claims that it was the aftershock of an even bigger earthquake that struck 10 years ago.
The earthquake struck Japan’s eastern coast late Saturday night. Damages were reported in the Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures, with 48 injured. No major casualties were reported, at least. The epicenter of the quake was about 45 miles north of the coastal town of Namie, with a 36-mile depth. No tsunami warning was issued, something common for post-earthquake events near the ocean.
According to a report by the National Meteorological Agency, the recent earthquake was part of an aftershock from a devastating quake that took place on March 11, 2011. This was the same event that lead to the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Over 20,000 people died or went missing from the combined dangers of the quake, the tsunami that followed, and the reactor meltdown. Efforts to clean up the nuclear waste that was released continue to this day.
Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has assured the public that all nuclear plants in the region are showing no abnormalities. They requested that locals stay indoors for a while, all the same, to avoid any unexpected aftershocks.
Earthquakes are an unfortunately common problem in coastal areas like Japan. While less common in the United States, it still happens in places like California. We hope that anyone who has to experience one is prepared for the worst. If you aren’t sure. Here’s a list of things one prepper wished they had after an earthquake.
Our sympathies go out to everyone affected by this. We hope you recover quickly.
Image credit: The Japan Times