Japan rocked by 8.9 earthquake

[wdhpr]

Christchurch, New Zealand now Japan my hope and goodwill goes out to both.

[garth]

Originally Posted by wdhpr

Christchurch, New Zealand now Japan my hope and goodwill goes out to both.

And me. BBC News.

[miskairal]

2011 is not shaping up to be a memorable one for many. Wishing for the best for those affected in Japan.

[MidnightCowboy]

Originally Posted by miskairal

2011 is not shaping up to be a memorable one for many. Wishing for the best for those affected in Japan.

Absolutely.

At least the Japanese are more prepared for this kind of event then most and their stringent building regs (unlike the recent disaster here) ensure that structural damage is kept to a minimum.

[garth]

Originally Posted by MidnightCowboy

Absolutely.

At least the Japanese are more prepared for this kind of event then most and their stringent building regs (unlike the recent disaster here) ensure that structural damage is kept to a minimum.

Unfortunately because the quake has occurred in the coastal region it's not so much the quake that's the problem, it's the tsunami that followed. This is now developing into a catastrophe on an epic scale.

[MidnightCowboy]

Originally Posted by garth

Unfortunately because the quake has occurred in the coastal region it's not so much the quake that's the problem, it's the tsunami that followed. This is now developing into a catastrophe on an epic scale.

Indeed, I've only just had a chanced to look at BBC online and can now appreciate the scale of what's happened.

[wdhpr]

I was watching footage of the tsunami rolling across farmland it was picking up everything in its path cars, barns, houses and unfortunately people as well. It was incredible to watch as it was disturbing.

Its not so much the water coming over the land (if that isn't bad enough) its the debris thats caught up in the flow which causes the the most destruction and death

[J_L]

The tsunamis are coming to my place.. Luckily Vancouver island will be a barrier.

[garth]

It's now looking like they might actually have at least one serious nuclear incident on their hands as well. BBC News.

[MidnightCowboy]

Originally Posted by garth

It's now looking like they might actually have at least one serious nuclear incident on their hands as well. BBC News.

Yes, and unfortunately the Japanese don't have a very good history of honesty when it comes to revealing nuclear accident data.

Whatever, and considering the standard practice of underestimating casualty figures, the true human and economic costs of this event are yet far from certain.