Double disaster rocks Japan

JAPAN is reeling from the double disaster on Friday which has left tens of thousands still missing and hundreds more dead.     

     The most powerful earthquake in Japan’s history, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale was followed by a 30ft tsunami which was similar to the devastating Boxing Day Asian tsunami off the coast of Indonesia in 2004.  The tsunami swept away people, crushed cars and destroyed buildings at speeds akin to a passenger jet plane.  The human cost is yet to emerge.  The Japanese government has declared a state of emergency across the country and has already confirmed that at least 400 people have been killed.  Tragically, the death toll is this set to rise into the thousands, especially as many communities and villages have simply been obliterated by this excessive force of nature.

     It isn’t just this that has caused concern for the shocked people of Japan.  Fears have grown over a possible nuclear meltdown after a cooling tower failed at the Fukushima power station. Over 300,000 people have been evacuated in this area and yesterday, a controlled explosion took place at the plant, which has released some radioactive gases into the air.  Although there are still fears for the longevity of the nuclear plant, any reporting of a similar catastrophe following the Russian Chernobyl blast of April 1986 are wide of the mark.  After the Japanese devastation, tsunami warnings were given out all over the Pacific Ocean.  Luckily, areas on high alert such as Samoa, Hawaii and Mexico seemed to have escaped with very little damage.

     Japan is one of the best prepared countries for earthquakes.  After all, it experiences nearly 200 of them a year.  However, it wasn’t prepared for Friday’s utter carnage.  Japan lies on three plates, and Friday’s quake came because the Pacific Plate went underneath the Eurasian Plate.  This produced a jolt as deep as 15 metres, hence the strength of the earthquake and resulting tsunami.  The quake struck at 4pm Japanese local time, when many parents are picking up children from school, and workers are slowly shutting down for the relaxing weekend.  Consequently, it struck at its busiest time, unlike the morning earthquake which devastated Kobe in January 1995.  The epicentre was just off the main coast of Tokyo and had a power 8,000 times more than the earthquake that devastated Christchurch in New Zealand just two weeks ago.

     The island of Sendai was the worst hit, as the port and airport were practically wiped out by the tsunami.  At the airport, passengers ready for departure were forced onto the terminal rooftops to escape the worst.  Masonry fell from buildings in Yokohama, as workers ran for their lives, quickly realising that this wasn’t just a normal earthquake.  At Ibaraki airport, the ceiling collapsed in the departure lounge, again leaving passengers running away in sheer terror.  Two trains and one ship are missing, with hundreds aboard and unaccounted for.  An oil refinery burned in Tokyo, thanks to the burst gas and electric lines.  The ferocity of the fire meant there was little that could be done but let the refinery burn into the dark sky.  Even a meeting of the Japanese parliament was interrupted.  The floor shook and the chandelier lights went crazy, which left major politicians stunned.

     The rescue will face major challenges to deal with.  As road and rail networks have literally been paralysed, it will only make things harder.  An expert on earthquakes David Rothery insists it was the tsunami that did the damage; “This earthquake didn’t actually cause much damage.  However, it was the resulting tsunami that the quake will be remembered for.”  Since records began in 1900, this was the seventh most powerful earthquake ever, with only the 2004 Asian Tsunami greater at 9.1.  As Japan is a hi-tech and more advanced country, it is likely to get back onto its feet far quicker than lesser developed countries, such as Haiti after their earthquake which destroyed the country last January.

     David Cameron, Pope Benedict XVI and Barack Obama were among the first to send their condolences to the Japanese people who have been affected.  The USA, Britain and Russia have already pledged to send out rescue teams, should the Japanese need extensive help.  At a press briefing in the States, US secretary of state Hilary Clinton pledged her support to help Americans stuck in Japan; “Obviously, the US is offering immediate relief.  We will assist 24/7 to help those Americans stuck in Japan and the Japanese government with the aftermath.  Also, we are deeply involved with the Japanese to help control the nuclear reactor failure at Fukushima.”

     

Seeing the pictures and videos of the sheer devastation in Japan on Friday certainly shook me up, and reminds everyone of the force that Mother Nature can leave yet again on the world.  It puts all personal events into perspective, because at least the majority of us can count our blessings that we don’t suffer earthquakes in this country, unlike those citizens in Japan.  My thoughts go out to all those whose lives in Japan have simply been turned upside down.

The helpline for the Foreign Office should it be required is +44 0 20 7008 0000

New Zealand's darkest hour after devastating quake

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ESIDENTS in Christchurch and across New Zealand are attempting to pick up the pieces after Tuesday’s devastating earthquake which has left over 100 people dead.    

The tremor lasted for about 30 seconds and hit Christchurch at its busiest time, the lunch hour where many commuters meet for coffee and a catch-up.  Therefore, this earthquake had the maximum possible devastation attributed.  It measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, far less than the 7.1 aftershock felt in the same city last September.  Then, extensive damage was caused to buildings but no-one was killed and the injuries were relatively minor.  This time, Christchurch wasn’t so lucky. 

AFTERMATH: Many buildings felt the full force of the quake

Some buildings came down straightaway, after fell more gradually.  In suburbs, burst water pipes have led to flooding and landslides.  Hills have been cut in half, some other structures looking totally unrecognisable to what they had earlier in the day.  The city looks like a warzone, echoing what happened to the residents of Kobe, Japan after their devastating quake in January 1995.  As hope fades very quickly for anymore survivors, this is another example of the unexpected force of Mother Nature.

In Christchurch, there weren’t enough ambulances to get all the trapped survivors out of the squashed buildings and with hospitals all full-up, space for the critically injured found hours after the tremor became very limited.  The frequent aftershocks stunned survivors and badly hampered the attempt to rescue those buried underneath tonnes of rubble.  The country’s prime minister John Key has vowed to rebuild the town and after announcing a state of emergency throughout the country, will not bow down to the challenges ahead; “We are a resilient nation, we will not bow down to this challenge.”  The Queen has passed on her thoughts and is said to be ‘utterly shocked by the events in New Zealand.

GRIM: It is a tough job to find survivors for the rescuers

Three days on from the quake and many residents are still trying to deal with the aftermath.  At current, 113 people are officially dead, with two British tourists amongst them.  There are still 200 people unaccounted for.  Half of Christchurch still has no water supplies and around 25% of the devastated city still has no electricity.  Due to the powercuts, many supermarkets remain closed which is making food supplies very limited for some.  Petrol stations have also been badly hit, with some running out of fuel, as desperate survivors top-up.  The estimated damage from the quake is likely to break the billions of dollars category.  Structural damage to a lot of properties means that many hundreds of people remain homeless and are staying in emergency rescue centres. 

With the death toll likely to rise and many more residents still unaccounted for, this is undoubtedly New Zealand’s darkest hour.  Life in Christchurch has changed forever.

 

British nationals concerned about relatives or friends affected by the quake can contact 020 7008 8765.

Miracle of the Miners

SOMETIMES in the world, we remember moments and never forget them.  Wednesday’s dramatic rescue of the 33 men who have been trapped for 69 days in a collapsed Chilean mineshaft will go down as one of those moments, where joy, relief and celebration dominated the headlines, rather than the traditional political conflict, wars and deaths that fill up our newspapers and TV news stations.

Mario Gomez, one of the 33 to have been trapped, said on his return to earth: “I have come back to life.”  To survive such extreme conditions underground goes down to a lot of teamwork, bravery, skill and courageous ability.  None of the men gave up on the pure delight of being able to see their beloved families again.  Together with the fantastic rescue teams, who produced a yellow capsule which with every hour, went down the 620ft hole that had been drilled to return another man to human earth.  This is a result that no-one could have predicted nearly three months ago.

The disaster began on August 5^th, when the 33 miners became trapped underground when part of the San Jose mine they were working on collapsed.  Two days later, a second collapse prevents early rescue attempts to free the trapped miners and it seemed like they were doomed.  However, failure was simply not an option to all of those involved and immediately, rescuers recovered from this potentially devastating setback and began drilling in a desperate attempt to find the men.  From this early stage, authorities were warning everyone that the chances of finding anyone alive were very slim.  Hope grew on August 22^nd, when a rescue probe returned with a message, shown by president Pinera to Chilean television, which proved that all 33 miners are remarkably still alive.  Suddenly, the rescue team involved manage to make voice contact with the men and begin sending down the vital supplies they need to keep them alive.  Initial reports suggested it might not be until Christmas when they might end up being rescued, so this result is even better than what first could have been predicted.

With support from millions across the world, the miners have been seen in good spirits from video footage, even managing to see an international friendly in September of their beloved country losing in Kiev to the Ukraine.  Once the first miner, Florencio Gonzalez was winched to the surface amid jubilant scenes, this was going to be a day full of emotion and elation. 

Chile has been in the headlines a lot in 2010, for a varying degree of fortunes.  The devastating earthquake that hit the country in March was followed by the national football team’s charismatic flair and attacking prowess that won over many fans in the World Cup finals in South Africa.  For a country that has suffered its fair bit down the years, and not had the best of international relations, the response to the plight of the miners has redeemed the country in the eyes of everyone across the globe.  It is so nice to see something so heart-warming dominate the headlines.

Some of the miners are receiving treatment in hospital, though it is thought to be mainly precautionary measures.  It is staggering to think that all 33 miners escaped any serious injury, or as a matter of fact, death.  This is a miracle of all proportions.

THE 33 CHILEAN MIRACLE MINERS OF 2010: Florencio Avalos (31), Jorge Galleguillos (55), Dario Segovia (48), Carlos Bugueno (28), Victor Segovia (48), Franklin Lobos (53), Esteban Rojas (44), Renan Avalos (29), Osman Araya (30), Pablo Rojas (45), Claudio Yanez (34), Richard Villarroel (23), Ariel Ticona (29), Carlos Mameni (24), Juan Illanes (52), Juan Aguilar (49), Edison Pena (34), Mario Sepulveda (40), Daniel Herrera (27), Alex Vega (31), Carlos Barrios (27), Jose Henriquez (54), Claudio Acuna (35), Jimmy Sanchez (19), Omar Reygadas (56), Raul Bustos (40), Jose Ojeda (47), Samuel Avalos (43), Pedro Cortez (26), Victor Zamora (34), Luis Urzua (54), Mario Gomez (63), Manuel Gonzalez Pavez (UNKNOWN)

Chile's Deadly Earthquake - Mother Nature Strikes Again

Less than two months after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the world was shook up again by another deadly earthquake on Saturday morning, as Mother Nature took her path again into the path of destruction.  Struck this time was the South American country of Chile, one of the wealthiest countries in the region.  One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded has left the country in shock and ruins, but fortunately, not quite in the mess and trauma that happened to the people of Haiti.

Measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, the death toll by last night had reached at least 700 people and is likely to rise in the next few days.  The outgoing President Bachelet, who has ten days left in office, has put the country in a state of national mourning and a state of emergency.  Tsunami warnings went sent across the Pacific after the quake, reaching as far as Japan and Australia.  Fortunately, these were stood down yesterday morning and people returned to their homes, especially in Japan, who had a powerful earthquake, themselves on Friday, which recorded 7.3 on the Richter scale, but didn’t cause much damage.  So, why has the earthquake in Chile been less damaging that the Haiti quake yet was more powerful?

The answer is simple; Chile is a dangerous earthquake zone, as it is on the border of Argentina and the Pacific.  The city of Valdivia was struck in 1960 by the most powerful earthquake ever, recording 9.5 on the Richter scale and claimed 600,000 lives.  Since then, the majority of the buildings in Chile have been made earthquake resistant, meaning though the damage is still horrific, it doesn’t look as bad as it did in Haiti.  The main reason for that is Chile’s resources are far greater than Haiti, which has always struggled on a global basis.  Nevertheless, up to 17 aftershocks have been recorded in the worst-hit areas, recording the highest of 6.6 on the scale and there is the fear that more buildings will collapse because of this.

Many survivors have lost their possessions and been starved of food for two whole days.  Looting has taken place already and the Chilean Army has been brought in to try and keep things under control.  The worst hit area in the country was the seaside resort of Concepcion, where the trouble has taken place.  The capital Santiago, also took a hit, with at least 40 people dead, buildings collapsed and the international Airport shutdown.  Only the Asian Tsunami on Boxing Day 2004 was more powerful on the Richter scale than this quake in the last thirty years. 

Bachelet has called the disaster as a “catastrophe of such unthinkable magnitude that it will require a giant effort for Chile to recover.”  Prime Minister Gordon Brown has vowed to send out aid to the battered country, should it be requested.  Throughout the country, power supplies have been heavily disrupted, with damage from this latest disaster already estimated into the excess of £20billion.  More than half a million homes have been destroyed and 2million people displaced.  Rescue efforts have begun in a desperate attempt for the death toll not to rise.

Once again, my thoughts go out to the people of Chile, as no-one deserves this deadly disaster to strike them and I hope the public are just as generous as we were with Haiti to help rebuild people’s shattered lives in the country.  What I’m concerned about is the spate of recent earthquakes that have struck the world.  It is estimated by geologists that the Nazca Plate is moving eastward beneath the South American Plate (where Chile is situated) at approximately 8.9cm a year.  Does this mean that we will be hearing more tragic tales of this kind of horrific damage in the next few years; I hope I’m wrong but my fears are it is likely to be the case.  What can anyone do, when nature decides to cause such destruction…?

Helping Haiti - A Worthy Cause

The debates can rage on about the subject, but as long as it is giving to the people who need it the most, the sufferers in Haiti, then that’s the most important thing.

Having bought and listened to the single, I would agree that this isn’t the strongest charity single I’ve ever heard, certainly nowhere near the famous 1984 hit ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas,’ which raised millions for the dreadful famine conditions in Ethiopia.  However, sometimes we must put musicality aside to see what the real story is.

The people of Haiti need all the support they can get, following the devastating earthquake, which struck just under a month ago.  Many survivors are battling against the elements, still in urgent need of aid, such as water and food to stay alive, and in a country so poor as Haiti, there is always the risk of disease setting in.  Therefore, everyone needs to give and donate as much as they can to help these unfortunate people who do not deserve what they are going through.  The emotions are still running along, and although it’s not so much a feature on news broadcasts, we must not forget those who need your support.

Together, Simon Cowell and the Sun newspaper have teamed up for a real charitable course.  The demand of artists who wanted to get involved in the single just shows how much dedication there is in the music industry, to human causes. In the end, cuts had to be made – as there weren’t enough lines for everyone to sing a cover version of R.E.M’s 1993 hit ‘Everybody Hurts.’  Cowell’s choice in song is a bit odd, it doesn’t really go with the cause, but nevertheless, it is still a powerful effort from everyone, despite it lacking the obvious feeling and musicality of the original version.

Twenty-one artists feature on the single, including Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, Alexandra Burke, Cheryl Cole, Susan Boyle, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Joe McElderrey and Gary Barlow.  Like mentioned earlier, it doesn’t have the voices of the original, but sometimes that doesn’t matter, especially for these worthwhile causes.  This is not a money-making exercise, it’s another source of income for the people of Haiti and I encourage everyone to download or buy the single, because it is going to a worthy cause, not Cowell’s back-pocket, as some music people have suggested.  I also must ask about musicality and what would you buy?  This version of ‘Everybody Hurts,’ is a decent attempt and wins hands-down over Jedward’s horrific cover of Vanilla Ice’s ‘Ice, Ice, Baby,’ which quite frankly, a bunch of primary school students could do better.

It may turn out to be one of the weakest No.1’s of the entire year, but already a million downloads have been purchased in just over twenty-four hours – so it will be amongst one of the fastest singles of all-time.

To sum it up, this is a ‘must-buy,’ for a worthy cause.  Let’s not forget, the people of Haiti need all the help and hope they can get in such a depressing situation.

Haiti - Miracles & Stories of Pain

This was first posted on January 25th at http://happydude88.livejournal.com/

In a world where most of us live in fear with the genuine threat of international terrorism, anti-social behaviour issues and the financial meltdown that could potentially last for years to come, it is when natural disasters occur that makes us stop and think: ‘How lucky are we?’

In the late hours of Tuesday 12th January UK time, a powerful earthquake struck to country of Haiti. It measured 7.0 on the Richter scale, one of the most powerful of recent times and it was Haiti’s worst quake for almost two centuries. Buildings were shattered, hospitals collapsed, prisons crumbled and access roads cut off in one of the poorest countries in the North America area.

Predictions of 2million have been made homeless by the earthquake and the Prime Minister recently confirmed a prediction of 200,000 thought to have been killed. This is unofficial though, and with several aftershocks striking the region after the disaster and a fear of disease striking the thoughts of many, that figure could sadly significantly rise.

In a flash, news reporters across the globe covered the story so quickly. The devastation by the many video feeds and pictures of homeless people clearly suffering has stunned many – especially yours truly. Personally, I haven’t seen such trauma and pain from a natural disaster since the Asian Tsunami on Boxing Day 2004. Generations further back could maybe recall the horrific earthquakes that struck Mexico City in 1985 and Kobe, Japan in 1995.

In an instant, relief and aid were one of the most important items needed for the suffering. Like the Tsunami tragedy of five years ago, the world has opened its arms into doing what it can. Charities such as Oxfam, Unicef, the British Red Cross and many more have workers over in Haiti, doing all they can to support those who need the help the most. Today, it was revealed that donations from the UK have reached £46million, after another generous donation figure of £4million over the weekend. It is a staggering effort from the UK, considering we are meant to be in the midst of a recession that is still causing financial issues for many.

Last Thursday, Simon Cowell revealed he will be getting music stars from around the world to record a charity song, with all donations going to the earthquake appeal. This week, the likes of Kasabian, Florence & the Machine, Leona Lewis, JLS, Alexandra Burke, Rod Stewart, Cheryl Cole & Susan Boyle are set to record a version of R.E.M’s 1980’s hit ‘Everybody Hurts.’ The single is expected to make millions and storm the UK charts for the next few weeks. Across the globe in America, actor George Clooney and singer/rapper Wyclef Jean have already led a benefit concert on Saturday. Stars from Hollywood took personal calls for donations in a concert called ‘Hope for Haiti Now.’ It was streamed live to millions on the video-sharing site, YouTube. Once again, America has done its bit to help others who need it.

The capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince has been the main base for reports to come in of tales of sorrow, woe and miraculous escapes. The villages of Jacmel and Petionville have also been severely hit or majorly affected, almost completely wiped out the map. Remarkably, eleven days after the earthquake, William Extantus was pulled out of the rubble from the remains of the Napoli Inn Hotel, alive. It is these stories that fulfil both a nation and a world’s hope that more can be found alive, however unlikely that is. Miracles are possible.

With the main prison collapsing in the quake, there have been concerns over riots in Haiti, which has had a history for political unrest. The hostile scenes broadcast on TV make the desperation for aid, such as basic utilities like water and food a necessity. Some are looting the remaining local shops still standing, in a desperate attempt to feed their families. Although this is morally wrong, it is quite understandable in these precarious circumstances. Former US president, Bill Clinton, worked for the UN over in Haiti has been worried about the amount of aid coming through. This has been a concern, but everyone is trying to do the best they can in a scenario, which for many is almost unimaginable.

Personally, I have been left shocked to the core by the events in Haiti; I have made a small donation myself to the earthquake appeal, because it is desperately needed to help those who are most unfortunate in this world. These people have done nothing wrong; they don’t deserve what has happened to them. Unfortunately, it is another case of ‘Mother Nature taking its course.’ My thoughts are with all the survivors of the disaster and those who have lost loved in such a sorrow catastrophe. It could take Haiti years, maybe even decades to rebuild from the shattered remains and it might not even recover. However, like the incredible story of William Extantus this weekend, we can only believe there can be more stories of relief and miracles to come from this shocking earthquake.

For more information and how to donate, visit www.google.co.uk and follow the link for more information.