We have all been glued to news reports about the earthquake which hit Japan earlier today, and the Tsunami alert that followed. The earthquake is said to measure at 8.9 magnitude. I don’t know much about the scientific nature of earthquakes but I understand this is the biggest and worst recorded in Japanese history, and seventh in terms of global records.
According to BBC News, “Cars, ships and buildings were swept away by a wall of water.” If ships are been swept away, how can man, who is fragile withstand the strength and ferociousness of mother nature? So far, it has been reported that 200 to 300 bodies have been found in the northeastern coastal city of Sendai where hundreds of buildings have collapsed. Devastating and heartbreaking for victims of the earthquake and those who have lost loved ones. If Japan, which is used to earthquakes and has emergency measures in place to deal with incidents of this nature is struggling to cope, makes you wonder about countries where they don’t have the same contingencies in place.
Reminds me of the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the number of lives lost. Interesting how we sing about natural disasters but the reality is far from the rhythmical lyrics we write. Remember the song Tsunami by the Manic Street Preachers and the words…
“Tsunami tsunami
Came washing over me
Tsunami tsunami
Came washing over me
Can’t speak, can’t think, won’t talk, won’t walk”
You bet no one is singing right now but all very silent and trying to figure out the best way to help each other. Oil terminals erupting in flames, nuclear plants creating a cause for concern but thank goodness they shut down automatically. And airports are engulfed by water. This is certainly a disaster of epic proportion. I truly wish it was a film and not real life!
