On Saturday, October 30th, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, triggering tsunami waves that reached heights of up to 30 feet. The earthquake, which occurred at 11:07 PM local time, was centered in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 55 miles east of the city of Sendai. The tsunami waves caused significant damage to coastal areas and resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents. Here are some key details about the event and how you can help those affected.
The Earthquake
The earthquake, which was initially reported as a 7.8 magnitude, struck at a depth of 35 kilometers. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning immediately after the earthquake, advising residents to evacuate to higher ground. The warning was later lifted, but not before the tsunami waves had already caused significant damage.
The Tsunami
by Kosta G (https://unsplash.com/@kostagsphoto)
The tsunami waves reached heights of up to 30 feet and caused widespread damage to coastal areas. The waves swept away cars, boats, and buildings, and caused power outages in some areas. The city of Sendai, which was hit hard by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, also experienced significant damage from the recent event. The waves also reached the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was damaged in the 2011 disaster, but no further damage was reported.
How You Can Help
If you would like to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, there are several ways you can do so. The Japanese Red Cross Society is accepting donations to support their disaster relief efforts. You can also donate to organizations such as Save the Children and World Vision, which are providing aid to affected communities. Additionally, you can support local businesses in the affected areas by purchasing products or services from them.
Tsunami Car Wash
One unique way to support the affected communities is by participating in the “Tsunami Car Wash” initiative. This movement, started by a group of Japanese car wash owners, encourages people to get their cars washed at participating car washes, with a portion of the proceeds going towards disaster relief efforts. This not only helps raise funds for those in need, but also supports local businesses that have been impacted by the disaster.
Tsunami Volleyball
Another way to show your support is by participating in “Tsunami Volleyball” events. These events, organized by local volleyball clubs, aim to raise funds for disaster relief efforts through friendly volleyball matches. You can join a team or attend a match to show your support and help raise funds for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
Staying Safe
If you are in an area that is at risk for tsunamis, it is important to know the warning signs and have an evacuation plan in place. Tsunamis can occur with little warning, so it is important to be prepared. If you are in a coastal area and feel an earthquake, it is important to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Let’s come together to support these communities in their time of need.
