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I was wondering how good our own alert systems are for natural disasters when people are sleeping and not plugged into their computers, TV or radio. I woke up to the Alert in my e-mail but the time difference in Hawaii meant it was still dark there. If I had not gone to my computer when I woke up, I still would not know. We have sirens in my town but they aren't allowed to be used for natural disaster/weather related issues.
Those with NOAA weather alert radios will know..plugged in with battery backup. If you don't have one..you better get one.
Many cities have said they have a system where alerts to out via phone and everyone gets an automated message. Have they ever tested this ?
I know my NOAA system works and it's for more than just weather.
And that is tested weekly.
Reporting from Oahu, Hawaii and Los Angeles --
Tsunami waves have reached Hawaii, but the first waves hitting the state are only about a foot higher than usual, according to officials and local news reports.
The tsunami hit Kodiak Island at 03:51 AKST, but thankfully only measured 1.24 feet. Just over an hour later, at 05:08 AKST, the tsunami hit Homer, but only measured 4 inches. So far, there has been no reports of damage or injury in Alaska as a result of this massive quake.
I'm in Northern Japan now, but on the 'Sea of Japan' side. About 180km from the epicenter.
Felt the big one in a big way, and just a ton of aftershocks that keep coming all day long.
From the video I have seen the initial quake appeared to last longer than a minute. How long did it last where you are located? The reason I ask is because in the last big quake we had in Alaska (7.9 magnitude on 11/03/2002) lasted for as long as 2 minutes in Anchorage, which was about 160 miles from the epicenter, and your quake was about 30 times more powerful (the equivalent of 336 megatons of TNT).
Where you are located did it feel like sharp, jerking movement, or more like rolling, undulating movement?
From the video I have seen the initial quake appeared to last longer than a minute. How long did it last where you are located? The reason I ask is because in the last big quake we had in Alaska (7.9 magnitude on 11/03/2002) lasted for as long as 2 minutes in Anchorage, which was about 160 miles from the epicenter, and your quake was about 30 times more powerful (the equivalent of 336 megatons of TNT).
Where you are located did it feel like sharp, jerking movement, or more like rolling, undulating movement?
Actually it felt MUCH longer. But I didn't have a watch.
Actually I've been in other, obviously smaller, earthquakes. I've always noticed the sense of time gets very skewed.
So I honestly only speculated, being that I knew 1 minute to be very long in earthquake times. If I put it into 'real time', what it felt like, it felt more like 5 or more minutes. But again, the sense of skewed time in such things...I just can't accurately say.
Fortunately did not feel sharp, jerking movements. Things weren't falling down all around, generally. I mean, yes, but not massively. But certainly rolling, undulating movements might better describe. Well, certainly a lot of jolts as well though.
Actually, it's the multitude of aftershocks that really get to a person. I read we've had 125 aftershocks, 75 of which have been major, and 16 which are very major. Each one feels like an additional earthquake.
Especially yesterday, and even moreso through the night, the sense of equilibrium was severely challenged. It's real hard to sleep in such situations. Like a jetlag feeling of feet haven't been positioned on the ground firmly in a long time. That's what really gets me more than anything else. Plus, you don't know if each aftershock will intensify or not.
Also, where I'm at, we have snow. Houses are also poorly insulated. So, if we lose electricity and heating and internet...it is a big concern.
Additionally, there is the worry about the Fukushima Nuclear Plant looming over everyone's head. I don't know the full implications of that either. Nontheless, it's amazing that the Japanese are staying so cool, calm and collected about things. Everyone is buying water, canned goods, and flashlights. Even though the big one hit and passed, it still feels far from over.
I've heard we're going to get another massive jolt or two a few days later. So, kind of half-expecting that. Plus, all the aftershocks. Actually heard to expect up to a full month of aftershocks. So being it's only been about 26 hours since the big one hit, still expecting a lot more.
Actually, it's the multitude of aftershocks that really get to a person. I read we've had 125 aftershocks, 75 of which have been major, and 16 which are very major. Each one feels like an additional earthquake.
Especially yesterday, and even moreso through the night, the sense of equilibrium was severely challenged. It's real hard to sleep in such situations. Like a jetlag feeling of feet haven't been positioned on the ground firmly in a long time. That's what really gets me more than anything else. Plus, you don't know if each aftershock will intensify or not.
Also, where I'm at, we have snow. Houses are also poorly insulated. So, if we lose electricity and heating and internet...it is a big concern.
Prayers out to you all. I only had to live through one earthquake in california and that was plenty enough for me. They might be cool and collected but I can relate to what you're saying far more. I don't like having my gray matter rattled either.
If you get this message & threat of heat/ power loss remains imminent do your best to create a room envelope in the center of your home. Even if you had a heavy grade tent set up it would improve your chance of surviving any steep decline in temps during the night. 2am till dawn is the most dangerous time for freezing temps. Layer your clothing. Utilize the linens in your home to compensate for that insulation lacking in the walls over the tent. Cuddling together with family/ friends/ neighbors/ pets has far more pragmatic than just emotional security value. If the water is still available out of the tap try to fill up as many containers as you can in case a main break occurs. You can live without food for a while, but not very long without water. Be well, take care the way, and do your best to mind one other.
Blessings,
Kelley
We felt the quake yesterday as a long, slow roller. Lasted way too long -- maybe 90 seconds to two minutes. The latest news here is that one of the nuclear reactors on the north Pacific coast has exploded.
(I want to repeat my message from earlier: thanks to all the posters who PM`d me to exrpess their concern. My wife and I will be back in the US next weekend to visit family and friends, then we`re coming back to Japan. The future will be very challenging in Japan, but the people here are incredibly resilient and resourceful.)
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