The visitors waiting it out after the earthquake, hoping it would all tide over. God bless them!
Tsunami warnings have been issued to 50 surrounding countries and territories, including as far away as the Pacific Coast of the United States, California even! Some of the heaviest risk countries include the Philippines, Chile, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hawaii! Here are the estimated time arrivals of the tsunamis in these countries.
Here's more information on the waves that are making its way along the Pacific Ocean.
:: 9am - Northern Mariana Islands - no large waves hit
:: 9.17am - Guam - initially appears unaffected
:: 10.02am - Philippines «««««««
:: 11:32am - Papua New Guinea
:: 11.35am - Indonesia
:: 1.10pm - Hawaii
:: 2.16pm - Vanuatu
:: 2.53 - Samoa
:: 3.35pm - Australia
:: 4.12pm - US west coast
:: 5.23pm - New Zealand
:: 11.00pm - Easter Island
And just in case, below is a guide to Earthquake 101!
If indoors:
- DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
- Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
- Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
- DO NOT use the elevators.
If outdoors:
- Stay there.
- Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle:
- Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
- Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris:
- Do not light a match.
- Do not move about or kick up dust.
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
In addition, Google Person Finder has been launched in order to find any of your loved ones who might currently be in the middle of devastation in Japan! Here's the link for a Japanese version --> Google Person Finder Japanese, and another for an English version --> Google Person Finder English. It finds out their status, whether they're alive, missing, or most unfortunately, dead.
"Knowledge is going to make you stronger. Knowledge is going to let you control your life. Knowledge is going to give you the wisdom to teach their children. Knowledge is the thing that makes you smile in the face of disaster."
- Avery Brooks
P.S.: If you live in USA, Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to Japan now! Share
