Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, devastation !

Mother Nature has been exorbitantly cranky.

  My prayers and thoughts are offered as comfort.

 

The morning after Japan was struck by the biggest recorded earthquake to hit the island nation in recorded history and a ferocious 20+ foot tsunami it unleashed, the disaster's massive devastation was only starting to be uncovered. 

  

 
  The massive March 11, 2011 quake, 8.9-magnitude, has triggered tsunamis not only in Japan, but around the Pacific Basin. Walls of water and debris have submerged many areas of Japan, and tsunami warnings were issued for at least 20 countries and numerous Pacific islands, and across the ocean to include the western coast of Canada and the US. Strong aftershocks, as strong as 6.5-magnitude continue to shake the region. More are expected in the days, maybe weeks ahead. All areas should stay alert for current warning status.

 In Japan hundreds are feared dead. 1,000s still missing, as the tsunami flushed away ships, cars and homes, and triggered widespread fires that burned out of control.

Japan's worst previous quake was in 1923 in Kanto, an 8.3-magnitude tumbler that killed 143,000 people, according to USGS. A 7.2-magnitude quake in Kobe city in 1996 killed 6,400 people.

I have heard that many Japanese often do not even worry when they hear warnings of earthquakes. Japan lies on the "Ring of Fire" - an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones stretching around the Pacific where about 90 % of the world's quakes occur. A magnitude-8.8 tumbler that shook central Chile last February started a tsunami and killed 524 people. It may seem a regular event to those that live in these areas, one that is not worth worrying about since you have no control. To me it is still Mother Natures destructive side. One that I don't hold dear.

My heart and prayers go out to all that are fighting to survive this latest attack and may still be surrounded by Mother Natures madness. We are all Gods children and we must reach out to help our earthly brothers and sisters. If you decide to donate monetarily, the Red Cross would be the safest way I know of to start with. There is also the Salvation Army. Both organizations are equipped with ways and means to reach out to the many in need. Remember these agencies for help as well if you need it here in the states. Weather is still battling us here at home.

  These last words are where I remind urge you to please, sit down with your family this weekend and go over your emergency plans together ( or make them if you do not have any). Check those flashlight batteries (and don't forget to check the smoke alarm ones since it's the time change on Sunday, daylight savings time), Do you have emergency candles and matches too? Update emergency contacts in phones and wallets, and make copies of all important documents (store in another safe place). Those in hurricane/flood/tornado/earthquake prone areas may want to check through their emergency supplies, and make sure any food included in it isn't expired or contaminated, and that bottled water has been rotated if it's been awhile. It doesn't hurt to be prepared. These are things you can use and regularly rotate so it is not an extra expense. Better to be safe than sorry...


  sincerely,
     Faythe


I was not compensated in any way for this post. You should always investigate any organization yourself before donating of any kind, to be sure they are using funds or items in the way they promise.I have my readers and online friends in Mother Natures path close in thought and heart.