Japanese Death Toll Rises; Ecuador Hit With 7.8 Temblor; Burma Recovering
- Details
- Category: World News
- Published on Saturday, 16 April 2016 19:43
- Written by Janet Walker
The Japanese people are still reeling from aftershocks following Tuesday’s massive 6.2 earthquake that struck almost exactly five years after the deadly 9.0 2011 quake that triggered a Tsunami and massive meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Reactor.
Over the past week four major quakes have struck. Burma suffered a 7.2 quake, Taiwan a 5.4 and Ecuador a 7.48 magnitude quake in addition to the Japan quakes that included substantial aftershocks of up to 7.0 magnitude and hundreds smaller tremblors.
With much for the world focus on Kumamoto, where according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The aftershocks, especially Thursday’s quake that registered 7.4, caused considerable damage to an already unstable region.
Miracle survivor stories, often the energy that drives workers to continue searching when hope is depleted, are circulating as rescue workers pulled a barefoot newborn from the rubble who, by the grace of God, survived the quakes and collapse of the apartment building and days buried under the rubble in an air pocket and debris cradle.
The two recent earthquakes in southern Japan have claimed the lives of at least 35 people and left 190 with serious injuries, according the government.
Reports of widespread damage, broken glass, collapsed and damaged buildings, as well as effected services, are being described in media coverage. The quake has displaced thousands who are now housed in shelters until the government determines the extent of damage.
The heaviest aftershock in Kyushu Island registered six miles deep and thirty times more powerful than the initial quake. Kyushu Island is heavily populated and it is unknown if proper building codes were in place to insure against heavy, catastrophic, loss of life and property damage. Major sections of infrastructure has suffered extensive damage and has rendered access to other regions impossible.
Japanese workers, in a race against the clock hoping to find survivors, are doubling the effort as weather forecasters have predicted heavy damaging storms to hit the affected region. With the possibility of mud slides the quake ravaged area is preparing for the worst.
March 11, 2011
The United States Geological Survey registers a 9.0 Earthquake centered on the Tokyo region. The initial damages indicated heavy causalities and major loss of life with possible Tsunami.
Within minutes after the quake had subsided the water in dramatic fashion vacuumed and returned to the shore in disastrous proportion swallowing entire communities and flooding the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Reactor plant causing a major meltdown likened to Three Mile Island. The final death toll reached 22,000.
Burma (Myanmar)
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Burma earlier today. Tremors were felt as far away as India. The epicenter was recorded about 46 miles south-east of Mawlaik at a depth of around 80 miles. There have been no immediate reports of casualties.
Ecuador
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck Ecuador's coastal region, according to USGS. No tsunami warning had been issued. The quake was off the coast and did pose an immediate threat to the population.
Reports from the morning after the devastating quake indicate dozens dead, mass casualty, extensive damage, building flattened and a state of emergency declared. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake was the strongest to hit the region since 1978.
Images of Rescued Baby used courtesy of BBC/YouTube
Infrared Seismic Counter courtesy of Earthquake Today
Sources: Graphic Feed Alerts
