Japan Earthquake, Ways to Help and Preparedness 101

The Earthquake


My heart goes out to the victims of the March 11 magnitude 8.9 Japan earthquake and its aftermath. 

Photo from Kyodo/Reuters via Time.com

Here's an expert's explanation on the events that happened today. 


Some highlights:


1. It is caused by a megathrust, when one tectonic plate is pushed beneath another.


2. It is the 6th largest earthquake since 1900.


3. This earthquake is thousands of times bigger than the Christchurch earthquake.


4. An earthquake this size can expect aftershocks that runs through weeks.


5. The aftershocks would be a unit less than the main earthquake hence it won't most likely trigger tsunamis.


6. This earthquake might trigger movement in some other plate segments.


Google's  Person Finder


This is to help locate people in the disaster-stricken area. Google set-up the same site after the earthquake in Haiti, Chile and Christchurch.

Ways to Help the Victims (from Time.com)


European Union, United Nations, US, China, South Korea, UK, Thailand among others have already extended their help to Japan. Should you be interested to help, here is a list that I've rounded up:


1. Make a personal Donation to Redcross.


2. Shelterbox. ShelterBox is the premier international aid organization that provides shelter and life-saving equipment. Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. 


3.International Medical Corps. Every dollar donated to this organization is matched with $30 from company donors, hence multiplying your contribution.


4. Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. According to their site this project will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. GlobalGiving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground.


5. Convoy of Hope. Based on their website, Convoy of Hope is considered a “first responder” organization in disaster relief. With a fleet of tractor-trailers, a 300,000-square-foot warehouse, a high-tech Mobile Command Center and through a scalable distribution model we have been heralded for quickly providing resources and help to victims of disasters worldwide."


6. Salvation Army.  


Earthquake Preparedness


How can we prepare ourselves for such an unpredictable event? 


USGS provides a link that details out The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety.


Please click link here and here

Photo from Southern California Earthquake Center

PREPARE (Please click link for What to do Before an Earthquake)


Step 1: Secure it now!
Step 2: Make a plan
Step 3: Make disaster kits
Step 4: Is your place safe?


PROTECT (Please click link for What to do During an Earthquake)


Step 5: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!


RECOVER (Please click link for What to do After an Earthquake)


Step 6: Check it out!
Step 7: Communicate and recover!