Japan just hit by magnitude 8.9 earthquake

Update 11:14 PM JST....

Wow, not really sure what I should say with all of the posts here recently. o_O

Well, so far life in central Tokyo was starting to feel somewhat normal today. Still no work, but main train lines in central Tokyo area were running anywhere from 60 to 90% of their normal schedules. The only thing that has really popped out in the news is the rise in radiation levels in Tokyo area. While it's apparently not dangerous yet, it's something worth keeping an eye on. More people are skeptical about the status of the nuclear reactors at Fukushima. I'm personally waiting and watching but have exit strategies in place should I decide to move.

One interesting point in the media today: One of the nuclear power plants in Shizuoka prefecture (south of Tokyo) has decided to erect a 12 meter wall for 1.5 km to help shield the nuclear plant in the event of a tsunami in that area, which they have been waiting for over the last 40 years. (http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20110315-00000120-mai-soci) There is still ongoing discussion on the construction material, thickness and maybe further extension of either height or length. They've obviously learned something and are looking to rework and improve precautionary measures there.

Otherwise: I've not lost power, water, gas or internet for any length of time since last Friday. I guess I'm just in a lucky area at this point.

For those concerned, it is appreciated. (y)
 
Peggy said:
I, for one, would appreciate your local updates, since you live there. What you are hearing there locally, what your own news is saying.
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Right now, they are talking about recovery and rescue of people in northern Japan. The temperatures and weather conditions (north of Tokyo) are turning to icy cold and there is fear that any other survivor out there, may not make it through the next night or two. They are also reminding people to not travel if you don't need to and asking companies to suspend where absolutely possible. Some workers are commuting 3+ hours on a route that would normally take 1 hour or less. As for the radiation reports; pretty much that there was a radiation leak and the amount of radiation was increased but has now started to decline. There is a major concern over the leaked radiation and its effect on produce, cows that produce milk and any contaminated material or person that hasn't been checked near the evacuation areas. We've also been told that non-essential aircraft should observe a 30km radius around the Dai-ichi power plant, effectively a no-fly area. Exception is military and support craft.

Iodine pills are being readied for delivery to persons exposed to radiation from the power plant. No idea on the exact delivery time, yet.

We've been asked not to stockpile food and buy only what we need on a daily basis. (Most people in Japan visit the grocery store once per day)

On television, they have been showing diagrams and data on the latest information received from the problem reactors at Fukushima. I'd say it's a pretty detailed explanation for a lay person. Additionally, they have been reviewing the different levels of radiation and what's good and what's bad. Most of what they have said matches with my own research from various sources. No one is saying to consider moving further away and only a small percentage of people appear to be moving. I was at the airport today: Normal for a weekday, Bullet trains going south still had plenty of seats left. Most northern trains aren't operating for obvious reasons.

If you live in the general Tokyo area, life is relatively normal. Further south, it's more business as usual. Everything else north and east is still paralyzed...

We had a small earthquake about two hours ago, a 3 in Tokyo and 6 further south... didn't seem to disrupt anything.

For dinner, I went to my usual Soba noodle place and had Tempura Soba (shrimp and soba noodles) and stopped by my usual coffee shop. Soba place was busy, with full menu. Coffee shop was busy, but not as busy for a usual Tuesday night. The lighting in some areas is very dim, it looks like a lot of stuff is closed when it's really open. Confusing...

In general: People in Japan are worried, but they are not in 'hysterics' or on a full fledged panic run. Easily, I'd say other foreigners and tourists here are the ones panicking and wanting to get out of Japan, yesterday. (as evidenced at the train terminal and Narita airport.) I do have one friend, she's in a panic... but then again, she panics at everything. She's not a good example...

That's about it... for now. That's how it is on the ground, here in Taito-ku, Ueno - Tokyo. (Just noticed that my area isn't getting a blackout... woo!)
 
ENF said:
Right now, they are talking about recovery and rescue of people in northern Japan. The temperatures and weather conditions (north of Tokyo) are turning to icy cold and there is fear that any other survivor out there, may not make it through the next night or two.
We had a small earthquake about two hours ago, a 3 in Tokyo and 6 further south... didn't seem to disrupt anything.

In general: People in Japan are worried, but they are not in 'hysterics' or on a full fledged panic run. Easily, I'd say other foreigners and tourists here are the ones panicking and wanting to get out of Japan, yesterday. (as evidenced at the train terminal and Narita airport.) I do have one friend, she's in a panic... but then again, she panics at everything. She's not a good example...

That's about it... for now. That's how it is on the ground, here in Taito-ku, Ueno - Tokyo. (Just noticed that my area isn't getting a blackout... woo!)
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Thank you for the detailed update.
 
Some pics of Yamakoshi just 200km away from the devisation.

1.webp
2.webp
 
Thank you for the local update, ENF. I'd prefer it over ANY other foreign news channel any day of the week.

What is even more assuring is that the people of Japan have not lost hope...their rescue efforts are in place and gaining pace by the hour, they are pumping in finances to keep the stock market steady, and are making efforts to prevent any further accident(s) / damage / loss(es). And the people themselves are calm and listening to their government.

I personally don't think that the situation after a catastrophe of such scale and magnitude could be any much better, and for that, the people of Japan definitely are doing a commendable job. (y)
 
Elizabeth said:
Thank you for the detailed update.
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You're welcome.

The only thing I'll add is that the news on TV is going in a loop, meaning they're repeating the same stuff over and over right now. Nothing new is coming out of local media right now.

Going to turn in for the night, we'll see what a new day brings tomorrow.
 
ENF said:
You're welcome.

The only thing I'll add is that the news on TV is going in a loop, meaning they're repeating the same stuff over and over right now. Nothing new is coming out of local media right now.

Going to turn in for the night, we'll see what a new day brings tomorrow.
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That's because they are "scared" to leave it alone and yet there is nothing new to report. That's why I've kept my eye on the news online and just turned OFF the TV altogether. If it were on, it would not be on the news, it would probably be on something like DIY as I am currently taking apart my kitchen.

Have a safe night and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
 
ENF said:
That's about it... for now. That's how it is on the ground, here in Taito-ku, Ueno - Tokyo. (Just noticed that my area isn't getting a blackout... woo!)
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As others have said, thank you very much for the updates. I'd rather read your reports, and anyone else's in Japan, really, than anything on TV.
The media is nuts, imo.

Have a good sleep.
 
Again from my inside source...​
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Originally they evacuated 750 employees and only 50 remained... Those 50 employees have now left. No one is left at the plant.​

The nuclear plant will meltdown within 12 hours (24 if the 50 works did enough)​
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If anyone here knows anyone in Japan and they have not left, they've got about 6 hours, then it will be to late.​
 
If that's the unvarnished truth...
I hope the sacrifice that those 50 made buy everyone else enough time to get clear. :(

Any indication about the situation of the other 2 reactors that were having issues?

My hopes and prayers (and if you knew me, you'd know what a big escalation that is) are with all the employees that have done all they could and all the people in the area.
 
The 50 employees who had stayed started suffering badly from radiation sickness. I would not expect them to live long lives after being exposed to that much radiation. But I hope what they did will not go unnoticed and that it does provide more time for others to get out.

Nuclear plan has 4 reactors and all 4 are having issues. 2 of the reactors have become unstable. It is possible that if the 2 go, they'll take out the other 2 with issues.

It's not going to be good and the people of Japan have my deepest sympathies
 
Dean said:
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I certainly hope you realize that people are taking the information in this thread seriously, and I hope you are typing appropriately. It would not be good upset people for no reason.
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I wish I had better news. I am very sorry if you or anyone here knows anyone in Japan. :(

I've been told I have family there... Never knew any of them. Kind of thinking I never will.
 
TheVisitors said:
The 50 employees who had stayed started suffering badly from radiation sickness. I would not expect them to live long lives after being exposed to that much radiation. But I hope what they did will not go unnoticed and that it does provide more time for others to get out.

Nuclear plan has 4 reactors and all 4 are having issues. 2 of the reactors have become unstable. It is possible that if the 2 go, they'll take out the other 2 with issues.

It's not going to be good and the people of Japan have my deepest sympathies
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Actually the nuclear plant had 6 reactors at that location not 4. Two were on normal maintenance shutdown at the time of the earthquake. Also, a core melt accident which is the proper name for a "nuclear meltdown" is not what you think it is. Chernobyl was BADLY designed. Unlike the ones being used by the rest of the world. TMI was the example of how it was built correctly. The core melted there and it melted less than 5 inches into the floor.

They make each unit to withstand the worst KNOWN earthquake to hit each region...now that does not account for a double whammy of the worst possible earthquake and a tsunami on top of it. That was an unknown. But considering this unit was built in the early 70's and took a hit from a 9.0 earthquake and was STILL standing, that says something right there.

But to come in and start up with stuff you have "insider facts" but not willing to source is not right.
 
Obviously the discussion I had did not include anything that was not seen as a current issue. The current issue evolves around the 4 reactors.

Yes, it is a testament that they have stood so well.

We will have to agree to disagree the level of severity this is currently and at its current path, will be.

I would not know how to quote a phone call. Like my previous post in this thread, it is not yet been made public (the other one soon after did).

I did not come here to disrespect anyone Elizabeth. But if you would rather wait a few hours, rather then know now... I have nothing left to say.
 
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