Earthquake
There was an earthquake off the coast of Japan a little over two hours ago, rated at 8.9 on the Richter scale. The shaking was bad but didn't cause any significant damage, thanks to Japan being well-prepared for earthquakes. However, the resulting tsunamis are causing damage along the eastern coastal regions, particularly in the north.
I have family in the Tokyo region and haven't heard from them yet. They should be okay though, judging from the news reports.
The reason I am posting this on this site, however, is because there are predictions of tsunamis reaching Hawaii where Stabguy lives. I don't imagine they will be particularly destructive by the time they reach there, but just in case I hope that Stabguy and Stabgirl don't get hit too hard.
Stabby, let us know how it turned out.
Right now on youtube there's a link at the top for live coverage of the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami.
It's now 3:30am and the tsunami is just coming ashore on my island of Oahu. The civil defense sirens have sounded about four times since 10pm. Police drove through our neighborhood with bullhorns advising people to leave the tsunami evacuation zone by 2am. Our house is about 1/2 block outside of the zone. stabgal and I decided not to evacuate.
UPDATE: The first surge has passed. It was clearly visible at Waikiki. This tsunami is more concerning than the one generated by the earthquake in Chile last year.
I'm glad to hear your okay Stabby... D:
Hope you stay that way until it all passes...
The second surge was scary because the ocean receded about a hundred meters, exposing the reef. It came back in like a lamb though. The third surge did the same. That's when I decided it was okay to go to sleep.
It looks like Hawaii dodged the worst of it. A few hotel lobbies on the Big Island were flooded. Santa Cruz and Crescent City, California got hit harder than us.
Any word from your family in Japan, Asaic?
Stab, you live on the same island as my girlfriend's sister! She texted me today asking me to comfort her just in case her sister was hit. 
But yeah, glad you're okay. 
Asaic, heard anything about your family?
I received word and everyone's okay out there.
I think the weather all over the world has been slightly affected. We're getting strong winds way over here in central North America. I'm talking winds so strong they're setting off car alarms. Wind wasn't on the forecast for this region. 
Things are not too bad in California. There is a fair amount of damage to some docks, harbors and boats. And one death 
(someone wasn't paying attention to the warnings). Luckily, it was low tide at the time. It seems the worst has passed for California.
Asaic, I hope you hear from your family soon!
Asaic, I hope you hear from your family soon!
I posted my reply just before you did. 
Yep, they're okay.
All we're getting in Indiana is just some rain the past week, but it's been dry all day. 
Oh, thanks Asaic. I'm glad to hear it.
And stabguy is okay, and Fumito Ueda is okay, so that's a relief. My heart's broken for the rest of the country, though. 
and Fumito Ueda is okay
Heh well somebody liked Ico and SotC, gotta love kids with horns and nearly inmortal horses 
Back on topic, its really sad to see all of that destruction, can't imagine what it would feel like to loose everything in the blink of an eye. I'm glad to here that relatives of other members are safe and well.
ROB_88 wrote:
[On the meaning of BAMF]i figured it was something similar to a MILFBabes Await My..............Flap-a-doodle
The situation with the Nuclear plant is frighting though, I hope they can get it under control soon... D:
does anyone know how bad the damage is in and around the japan-area?
any numbers on deathcount?
Rob, current estimates range from 1300 to 1800 deaths but this is only a current estimate and obviously, and very sadly, the death toll is expected to rise greatly over the next few days. One source claims the official death toll to stand at 574 (as of 45 minutes ago) but this is clearly an underestimation as it is only fully confirmed deaths.
Half the population of the port town of Minamisanriku are completely unaccounted for, the number missing being a shocking 9,500 people
Many trains and ships have also gone missing, with contact with them being lost. This will only add to the death toll.
Towns like Minamisanriku were evidently affected far more by the resulting tsunami than the earthquake itself so most people have been killed by drowning or injuries as a result of the water. Japanese bulidings are very well-bulit to withstand earthquakes and tremors but a tsunami is largely unstoppable
Here's a link with a little more info:
I remember that after the NY 9/11 attack, when someone asked Mayor Giuliani about the casualty estimates, he said something to the effect that whatever the number turns out to be, it will be more than we can bear.
I feel that way about this.
It looks like I spoke too soon about Hawaii being spared by the tsunami. There was major structural damage (but no injuries) in Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island. A two story house ended up floating in the bay.
A small boat harbor here on Oahu was also hit hard. One pier snapped loose and then it (and all of the boats attached to it) slammed through three other piers.
I'm glad you're alright, Stab. I sort of had a feeling you would be. Hell, knowing you, you probably wanted to grab your surfboard and head out in the worst of it.
The hotel I was staying at a year ago for Spring Break on the Big Island got swamped. I'm glad I decided to go last year instead of this year or I would have had a serious problem.