Living in the Land of Tremor:
Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, is also a land that frequently feels the earth move beneath its feet. Earthquakes are a constant reality here, and as someone who has called this beautiful country home for a few years now, I wanted to share some insights and experiences.
Earthquake with 6.3 magnitude hits today at West-Japan:
There was indeed a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck off the southwestern coast of Japan earlier today, April 17th, 2024, at approximately 11:14 PM JST (Japan Standard Time). Here’s some information I found:
Epicenter: The earthquake occurred in the Bungo Channel, a strait separating the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku, about 17 kilometers southwest of Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture [1, 2, 5].
Depth: The quake had a shallow depth of around 25 to 41 kilometers, which can cause stronger shaking at the surface [1, 2, 6].
Intensity: The tremor was felt with an intensity of 6 on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s (JMA) 1-7 scale in Ehime and Kochi prefectures [2].
Tsunami Warning: Thankfully, no tsunami warnings were issued following the earthquake [1, 2, 4].
Damage: As of now, there haven’t been any reports of major damage or injuries [2, 4, 5].
Preparation is Key
Earthquakes are ingrained in Japanese culture. From childhood, people are drilled on what to do when the shaking starts. Homes and buildings are built to withstand tremors, and emergency supplies are a common household item. This preparedness undoubtedly saves lives.
The Big One We Didn’t Have
Just this year, on New Year’s Day, a strong earthquake (magnitude 7.5) struck. Thankfully, the damage wasn’t catastrophic, and the infrastructure held strong. It was a stark reminder of the power of nature, but also a testament to Japan’s disaster readiness.
The Aftermath and Community Spirit
Following an earthquake, the community spirit in Japan is truly remarkable. People come together to help neighbors, clear debris, and support local businesses. There’s a sense of shared experience and resilience that’s both heartwarming and inspiring.
Tirri Venkat Vinod