JAIF (Japan Atomic Industrial Forum, Inc) report shows that High level of radioactive iodine was detected in the seawater sample corrected 330m away from the seawater discharge outlet, Iodine density of the sample is almost 1,250 times as much as legal standard. The report shows that Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency told that source of water to be injected to the spent fuel pool will be switched to freshwater also on march 27. More detail you can see below:
It is also reported that Japanese authorities have informed the
IAEA that on March 24, examinations of the thyroid glands in 66 children (14 of
which are infants) were conducted near the evacuation area around the Fukushima
nuclear plant. The exams were conducted at the Kawamata Town Health Center
(40-50 kilometres from Fukushima Daiichi NPP) and Kawamata Town Yamakiya Branch
Office (30-40 kilometres from Fukushima Daiichi NPP).
According to a 25 March 2011 Nuclear
and Industrial Safety Agency press release, the results of the examinations
indicated that the dose rate "of all the 66 children including 14 infants
from 1 to 6 years old had no big difference from the level of background and
was at the level of no problem in light of the view of Nuclear Safety
Commission."
The plant suffered major damage from the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011, disabling the reactor cooling systems and triggering a widespread evacuation surrounding the plant.
The earthquake categorised as 9.0 MW on the moment magnitude scale occurred at 14:46 Japan Standard Time (JST) off the northeast coast of Japan.
Reactors 4, 5 and 6 had been shut down prior to the earthquake for planned maintenance. The remaining reactors were shut down automatically after the earthquake, but the subsequent tsunami flooded the plant, knocking out emergency generators needed to run pumps which cool and control the reactors. The flooding and earthquake damage prevented assistance being brought from elsewhere. Over the following days there was evidence of partial nuclear meltdowns in reactors 1, 2 and 3; hydrogen explosions destroyed the upper cladding of the building housing reactors 1 and 3; an explosion damaged reactor 2's containment; and severe fires broke out at reactor 4.
The Japanese authorities rated the events at reactors 1, 2 and 3 as a level 5 (Accident With Wider Consequences) on the International Nuclear Event Scale, while the events at reactor 4 were placed at level 3 (Serious incident).
The Fukushima II Nuclear Power Plant, 11.5 kilometres (7.1 mi) to the south, is also run by TEPCO. See below photo back in 1975 for Plant 1 to 6: source wikipedia.
Here is the place where affected radiation due to damaged the Nuclear Power Plant by earthquake 9.0 and the worst tsunami attack: source: JAIF
IAEA reported, 25 March, 15:45 that the Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear power plant, 'white smoke' was reported at Units 1, 2 and 4
from 21:20 UTC on 24 March. Sea water injection to Units 1, 2, 3 and 4
continues as of 23:00 UTC 24 March. The IAEA is in working to see for further information on
the latest status of all Units and spent nuclear fuel at Fukushima Daiichi NPP.
Sources: IAEA, wikipedia, and JAIF
catch4all.com,
Sandra Englund, March 25th, 2011,
Military Family Members Arrived Sea-Tac Airport From Japan
On March 19, 2011, American Forces Press Service, Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, reported that About 200 military family members arrived at
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington state those of who volunteered to leave from Japan. See below for more detail.
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2011 – About 200 military family members arrived at
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington state today after leaving
Japan voluntarily, U.S. Army North officials said.
The family members left Yokota, Japan, aboard a government-chartered
airplane, Army Lt. Col. Wayne Shanks, an Army North spokesman, told American
Forces Press Service in a phone interview today.
Shanks stressed that the family members were not forced to flee. Rather, he
said, those who decided to leave Japan likely did so as a precaution. The 8.9
magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan on March 11 and the tsunami that
followed devastated the country, including destruction to viable infrastructure,
such as nuclear power plants.
"We're providing for Department of Defense families who want to [leave]
Japan, and that could be for a number of reasons," Shanks said. "I don't think
the radiation threat is the overriding reason, … although it is a concern."
As what officials have called a prudent precaution, the Defense Department is
providing eligible family members of department personnel an opportunity to
voluntarily leave Japan at government expense.
The only priority for volunteers is for those closest to the disaster or
threat, Army North officials said, and flights will continue throughout the
foreseeable future to accommodate service members and their families.
"The underlying thing is that we're here to help the people coming out of
Japan," Shanks said. "We're doing whatever we possibly can to assist
them."
---------------------------------
According to Yahoo news, March 19th, 2011,
The initial flight, filled with 233 military family members and nine pet dogs from Yokota Air Base, near Tokyo, touched down at SeaTac at 9:50 a.m. Saturday.
The Yokota base is about 150 miles from the damaged nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.
U.S. Military stated that "We're providing for Department of Defense families who want to [leave]
Japan, and that could be for a number of reasons," Shanks said. "I don't think
the radiation threat is the overriding reason, … although it is a concern."
Although, U.S. Military stated that they are leaving as voluntarily, IAEA report shows that Japanese authorities have informed the IAEA that the evacuation of the population from the 20-kilometre zone around Fukushima Daiichi has been successfully completed. Japanese authorities have also advised people living within 30 kilometres of the plant to remain inside.
However, the radiation levels spiked three times
since the earthquake at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, but have stabilized since 16 March at levels which are,
although significantly higher than the normal levels, within the range that
allows workers to continue onsite recovery measures. See below IAEA summary report as of March 19, 2011 which shows Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant condition for table 1 through 6.
Measurements made by Japan in a number of locations have shown the presence
of radionuclides - ie isotopes such as Iodine-131 and Caesium-137 - on the
ground.
This has implications for food and agriculture in affected areas. The IAEA
and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are consulting with the
Japanese authorities on measures being taken in these areas related to food and
agriculture.
Although the government of the U.S stated that the family members who are leaving Japan were not forced to flee, UK also have advised their citizens to consider
leaving Japan. The U.S. and Australia also advised staying 80 km (50 mi) from
the stricken Fukushima I power plant. Authorities in the U.K., Germany and
Australia suggested their citizens leave Tokyo. France, Belgium and Norway have
advised their citizens to leave Japan.
Sources:
DOD
Yahoo News
wikipedia
IAEA.
catch4all.com,
Sandra Englund, March 20th, 2011,
Remarks by
the President on the Situation in Japan
Remarks by the President on the Situation in Japan
Rose Garden
3:35 P.M. EDT
THE
PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everyone. Over the last several days,
the American people have been both heartbroken and deeply concerned about the
developments in Japan.
We’ve seen an earthquake and tsunami render unimaginable -- an unimaginable
toll of death and destruction on one of our closest friends and allies in the
world. And we’ve seen this powerful natural disaster cause even more
catastrophe through its impact on nuclear reactors that bring peaceful energy
to the people of Japan.
Today, I wanted to update the American people on what we know about the
situation in Japan, what we’re doing to support American citizens and the
safety of our own nuclear energy, and how we are helping the Japanese people
contain the damage, recover and rebuild.
First, we are bringing all available resources to bear to closely monitor the
situation, and to protect American citizens who may be in harm’s way.
Even as Japanese responders continue to do heroic work, we know that the damage
to the nuclear reactors in Fukushima Daiichi plant poses a substantial risk to
people who are nearby. That is why yesterday, we called for an evacuation
of American citizens who are within 50 miles of the plant. This decision
was based upon a careful scientific evaluation and the guidelines that we would
use to keep our citizens safe here in the United States, or anywhere in the
world.
Beyond this 50-mile radius, the risks do not currently call for an
evacuation. But we do have a responsibility to take prudent and
precautionary measures to educate those Americans who may be endangered by
exposure to radiation if the situation deteriorates. That’s why last
night I authorized the voluntary departures of family members and dependents of
U.S. officials working in northeastern Japan.
All U.S. citizens in Japan should continue to carefully monitor the situation
and follow the guidance of the U.S. and Japanese governments. And those
who are seeking assistance should contact our embassy and consulates, which
continue to be open and operational.
Second, I know that many Americans are also worried about the potential risks
to the United States. So I want to be very clear: We do not expect
harmful levels of radiation to reach the United States, whether it’s the West
Coast, Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories in the Pacific. Let me repeat
that: We do not expect harmful levels of radiation to reach the West
Coast, Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories in the Pacific. That is the
judgment of our Nuclear Regulatory Commission and many other experts.
Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health
experts do not recommend that people in the United States take precautionary
measures beyond staying informed. And going forward, we will continue to
keep the American people fully updated -- because I believe that you must know
what I know as President.
Here at home, nuclear power is also an important part of our own energy future,
along with renewable sources like wind ***[and] solar, natural gas and clean
coal. Our nuclear power plants have undergone exhaustive study, and have
been declared safe for any number of extreme contingencies. But when we
see a crisis like the one in Japan, we have a responsibility to learn from this
event, and to draw from those lessons to ensure the safety and security of our
people.
That’s why I’ve asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to do a comprehensive
review of the safety of our domestic nuclear plants in light of the natural
disaster that unfolded in Japan.
Finally, we are working aggressively to support our Japanese ally at this time
of extraordinary challenge. Search and rescue teams are on the ground in
Japan to help the recovery effort. A disaster assistance and response
team is working to confront the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.
The U.S. military, which has helped to ensure the security of Japan for
decades, is working around the clock.
To date, we’ve flown hundreds of missions to support the recovery efforts, and
distributed thousands of pounds of food and water to the Japanese people.
We’ve also deployed some of our leading experts to help contain the damage at
Japan’s nuclear reactors. We’re sharing with them expertise, equipment,
and technology so that the courageous responders on the scene have the benefit
of American teamwork and support.
And the American people have also opened up their hearts. Many have given
generously to support the ongoing relief efforts. The Red Cross is
providing assistance to help meet the immediate needs of those who’ve been
displaced. And I would encourage anybody who wants to lend a hand to go
to usaid.gov to learn more -- that’s usaid.gov -- to find out how you can be
helpful.
As I told Prime Minister Kan last night, and reaffirmed at the Japanese embassy
here in Washington today, the Japanese people are not alone in this time of
great trial and sorrow. Across the Pacific, they will find a hand of
support extended from the United States as they get back on their feet.
After all, we have an alliance that was forged more than a half century ago,
and strengthened by shared interests and democratic values. Our people
share ties of family, ties of culture, and ties of commerce. Our troops
have served to protect Japan’s shores, and our citizens have found opportunity
and friendship in Japan’s cities and towns.
Above all, I am confident that Japan will recover and rebuild because of the
strength and spirit of the Japanese people. Over the last few days,
they’ve opened up their homes to one another. They’ve shared scarce
resources of food and water. They’ve organized shelters, provided free medical
care, and looked out for their most vulnerable citizens. One man put it
simply: “It’s a Japanese thing. When hard times hit, we have to
help each other.”
In these hard times, there remains, nevertheless, hope for the future. In
one small town that had been flattened by the tsunami, emergency workers
rescued a four-month-old baby who had been swept out of her parents’ arms and
stranded for days among the debris. No one can say for certain just how
she survived the water and the wreckage around her. There is a mystery in
the course of human events.
But in the midst of economic recovery and global upheaval, disasters like this
remind us of the common humanity that we share. We see it in the
responders who are risking their lives at Fukushima. We show it through
the help that has poured into Japan from 70 countries. And we hear it in
the cries of a child, miraculously pulled from the rubble.
In the
coming days, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure the safety of
American citizens and the security of our sources of energy. And we will
stand with the people of Japan as they contain this crisis, recover from this
hardship, and rebuild their great nation.
Thanks very much.
END
3:42 P.M. EDT
Sources:
White House Sources:
DOD
Yahoo News
wikipedia
IAEA.
----------------------------------------------- President Barack Obama made a statement to the press regarding the earthquake 9.0, the worst tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, in the Rose Garden of the White House on March 17, 2011.
President Obama also visited the Japanese Embassy and signed a book of
condolence for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami and offered the
support and assistance of the United States as Japan rebuilds. President Obama expressed that "We are doing everything what we can, also we fell great urgency to provide assistance to those who are suffering at this urgency moment as difficult as this time". Japanese Ambassador Fujisaki at the Embassy of Japan expressed sincere appreciation
to President Obama that We are so greatful to President Obama and people of United State and their symphathy and assistances mean a lot to all Japanese.
Immediately after the March 11 earthquake struck Japan, President Obama
expressed America’s condolences: "The United States stands ready to help the
Japanese people in this time of great trial. The friendship and alliance between
our two nations is unshakeable, and only strengthens our resolve to stand with
the people of Japan as they overcome this tragedy."
USAID deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team to coordinate the U.S.
Government response and support Japanese search and rescue efforts. Two urban
search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia and Los Angeles County,
California completed assignments in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, and Kamaishi
City. 144 personnel participated with 12 search dogs.
The U.S. Military has conducted 132 helicopter and 641 aircraft missions to
assist in survivor recovery, personnel transport, and relief commodities
distribution including 129,000 pounds of water, and 4,200 pounds of food.
The U.S. Department of Defense is actively providing humanitarian assistance
and supporting search and rescue missions. U.S. Forces Japan, the U.S. Seventh
Fleet, and the III Marine Expeditionary Force are cooperating with the Japan
Self-Defense Forces in Operation Tomodachi. The name for this operation was
suggested by the Japanese and means "friends".
On March 17, 2011, U.S. Air Force Airmen and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense force load high-capacity pumps provided and delivered by the U.S. Navy onto a truck. The five pumps will be used by Japan’s Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Group Nuclear Asset Management Department to assist in the effort to cool the core of the damaged No. 3 reactor at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant.
Humanitarian Assistance as the follow:
USAID
The American search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los
Angeles County, California have transferred nearly $145,000 in equipment to the
Ofunato fire department to assist with local recovery efforts.
4 zodiac boat kits—containing boats, motor, fuel tanks, and paddles
16 kerosene heaters
160 cots
160 sleeping bags
10,000 Personal Protective Equipment Kits (suits, masks, gloves,
decontamination bags and other supplies) have arrived in Japan and will be
distributed to Self Defense Forces in Fukushima.
The Disaster Assistance Response Team continues to engage at three levels to
determine any possible humanitarian needs in Japan: nationally through Japan's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, locally at the prefecture level and in coordination
with U.S. Forces-Japan, and through Japanese civil society organizations.
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense is actively providing humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief in support of Operation Tomodachi.
12,750 personnel are working to provide emergency support
20 ships are providing assistance
140 aircraft are flying relief missions
227 tons of relief supplies have been delivered
U.S. Forces were instrumental in re-opening Sendai Airport for relief aid.
The first planes to arrive with water and goodwill supplies were Marine Corps
aircraft from Futenma and Iwakuni.U.S. forces have transported more than 60,000 daily servings of food and
water.
Helicopters from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma have delivered hundreds of
blankets and barrels of kerosene to the disaster area in Sendai.
Troops from Kadena Air Base on Okinawa continue to deliver supplies to
Sendai, including children’s clothing and food.
Aerial reconnaissance missions also continue to search for displaced people
and take photographs that are being shared with the Japan Maritime Self Defense
Force. you can see more detail with the following link
Resources: White House, DOD, and Embassy of The United States Tokyo-Japan
catch4all.com,
Sandra Englund
The urgency Continues for Nuclear threat After Earthquake 9.0 and the Worst Tsunami
POOR COMMUNICATION AND NEED FUEL TO DELIVERY SUPPORT
March 17, 2011
IAEA reported that Radiological Contamination
17 people (9 TEPCO employees, 8 subcontractor employees) suffered from deposition of radioactive material to their faces, but were not taken to the hospital because of low levels of exposure;
One worker suffered from significant exposure during "vent work," and was transported to an offsite center;
2 policemen who were exposed to radiation were decontaminated; and
Firemen who were exposed to radiation are under investigation.
The IAEA continues to seek information from Japanese authorities about all aspects of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Emergency workers trying everything they could do on Thursday to
douse Japan's most dangerously overheated nuclear reactors: helicopters,
heavy-duty fire trucks, even water cannons normally used to quell rioters. But
they couldn't be sure any of it was easing the peril at the tsunami-ravaged
facility. See below for more detail.
The
situation surrounding Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant remains critical, where
since March 11, 2011 earthquake 9.0 and resulting tsunami, five of the six
nuclear power reactors have experienced varying degrees of emergency. Since
March 11,2011, Friday radiation levels released and/or leaked from Daiichi
reactors have significantly increased, causing widespread fears of radiological
contamination.See below the affects of
radiation exposure measurement:
Source: reliefWeb.
Japan 9.0 earthquakes increased significantly need help humanitarian
aid deliveries but not enough fuel caused
problems including the cold winter makes more difficult situation. Meanwhile the reliefweb report shows that the International
NGOs are urged to wait until search and rescue operations have finished before
commencing activities. Military and Police help efforts at the Fukushima
Nuclear Power Plant.
On 16 March
2011, Director General, Yukiya Amano, briefed the media in Vienna, Austria on
the developing situation at the nuclear facilities in Japan. See below more detail via youtube.
17 March 2011, Graham Andrew, Special Adviser to the IAEA
Director General on Scientific and Technical Affairs, briefed the
Agency's Member States on the nuclear emergency in Japan following last week's
devastating earthquake see more detail via youtube.
The worst affected areas
are Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Iwate and Chiba prefectures (States) along
Japan’s northeastern coast.The
population in these areas before the disaster was estimated at 14,8 million
people, of which 1.6 million lived within 5 kilometer of the coast.The coastal city of Sendai in Miyaig
prefecture was the worst damaged and hit by the earthquake 9.0 and tsunami
which the population of some 1 million people.Large coastal areas have been submerged and villages washed away and swapt as high as 33 feet at the port of Sendai.
Japan’s National
Meteorological Agency reported that the highest tsunami wave on the day of the
quake was 15 meters high in Mekawa, Miyagi (UNOCHA, March-17) in Ishinomaki, in
Miyagi, the mayor said that the number of missing in the town will reach
10,000.The town has a population of
some 160,000 according to the Japan Times.
According to the Coastal
region of Tohoku, the GoJ reports that 3,385 buildings were destroyed over
55,000 damaged by earthquakes, tsunami or fire. In Sendai 2,700 houses have been washed
away.According to the UN, the number
of houses damaged or destroyed is expected to increase as assessment teams gain
access.Japan Times, March 17, 2011, the
Fire and Disaster Management Agency said: destroyed buildings has reached 100,396.
The media, business and communities are out pouring the support of urgency for Japan's worst disaster, meanwhile UN (United Nation) rushed help to tsunami disaster for Japan. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed that how the world was shock and sending hart felt condolences and saddens.
All of these, the worst disaster since 1900 causes the problem and low fuel for humanitarian support delivery and poor communication. March 17, UN delivered from blankets to emergency communications equipment to technological expertise, United Nations agencies rushed assistance to Japan to help cope with the multi-front disaster caused by last week’s devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant breakdown.
This is just information that you may want to know:
Wellness library web site shows the some nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms for radiation:
Eliminate suspected food allergens, such as dairy (milk, cheese, and ice
cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives, and chemical food additives.
Your health care provider may want to test you for food allergies.
Eat foods high in B-vitamins, calcium, and iron, such as almonds, beans,
whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and
sea vegetables.
Eat cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower), for
antioxidant support.
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and
tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell pepper).
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no
allergy) or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods
such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed
foods, and margarine.
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Exercise, if possible, 5 days a week.
Nutritional deficiencies may be addressed with the following supplements:
A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the
B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and
selenium.
Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10
billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal
and immune health. Some acidophilus products require refrigeration - check
lables carefully.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil
daily, to help decrease inflammation. Be careful if you are taking blood
thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin) while taking fish oils,
as fish oils may increase bleeding in sensitive individuals.
Vitamin C, 500 - 1,000 mg daily, as an antioxidant. HIgher dosages of
vitamin C may be used. If loose stools develop, decrease the dosage.
Grapefruit seed extract (Citrus paradisi), 100 mg capsule or 5 - 10
drops (in favorite beverage) three times daily, for antibacterial-antifungal
activity and immunity.
L-glutamine, 500 - 1,000 mg three times daily, for support of
gastrointestinal health and immunity.
Resveratrol (from red wine), 50 - 200 mg daily, to help decrease
inflammation and for antioxidant effects.
Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant and immune activity.
Melatonin, 2 - 6 mg at bedtime, for immune support and improved sleep.
Higher doses may be needed in cancer treatments. Ask you health care
provider.
Herbs
Herbs are generally available as standardized, dried extracts (pills,
capsules, or tablets), teas, or tinctures/liquid extracts (alcohol extraction,
unless otherwise noted). Mix liquid extracts with your favorite beverage. Dose
for teas is 1 - 2 heaping teaspoonfuls per cup of water, steeped for 10 - 15
minutes (roots need longer).
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) standardized extract, 80 - 200 mg one
to three times a day, as an antioxidant and liver protectant.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg
daily, for antioxidant effects. You may use caffeine-free products. You can also
prepare teas from the leaf.
Panax ginseng (Panax ginseng) standardized extract, 100 - 200 mg
twice daily, for symptoms of radiation poisoning. You can also prepare teas from
this herb.
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) standardized extract, 150 - 300
mg two to three times daily, for immune effects. You may also take a tincture of
this mushroom extract, 30 - 60 drops two to three times a day.
Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) standardized extract, 400 mg daily, for
radiation protection. You can also prepare teas from the root.
Chamomile oral rinse (Kamillosan), rinse and expectorate 3 - 4 times daily,
for oral irritation due to radiation therapy.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) topical cream, apply externally to
radiation-damaged skin 2 - 3 times More info avaiable at A.D.A.M
Here is Online Geiger Counter Nuclear Radiation Detector Map that you may want to check to see where the exposure places for radiation:
Urgency Nuclear threat After Earthquake 9.0 and the Worst Tsunami
March 15, 2011
According to Yahoo news, March 15, 2011, Dangerous levels of radiation leaking from a crippled nuclear
plant forced Japan to order 140,000 people to seal themselves indoors Tuesday
after an explosion and a fire dramatically escalated the crisis spawned by a
deadly tsunami.
In a nationally televised statement, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said radiation
had spread from the four stricken reactors of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear
plant along Japan's northeastern coast. The region was shattered by Friday's
9.0-magnitude earthquake (Confirmed 9.0 by USGS after preliminary magnitude 8.9 on March 11, 2011) and the ensuing tsunami that is believed to have killed
more than 10,000 people, plunged millions into misery and pummeled the world's
third-largest economy.
Japanese officials told the International Atomic Energy Agency that the
reactor fire was in a fuel storage pond — an area where used nuclear fuel is
kept cool — and that "radioactivity is being released directly into the
atmosphere." Long after the fire was extinguished, a Japanese official said the
pool might still be boiling, though the reported levels of radiation had dropped
dramatically by the end of the day.
Late Tuesday, officials at the plant said they were considering asking for
help from the U.S. and Japanese militaries to spray water from helicopters into
the pool.
That reactor, Unit 4, had been shut down before the quake for
maintenance.
If the water boils, it could evaporate, exposing the rods. The fuel rods are
encased in safety containers meant to prevent them from resuming nuclear
reactions, nuclear officials said. But they acknowledged that there could have
been damage to the containers. They also confirmed that the walls of the storage
pool building were damaged.
Experts noted that much of the leaking radiation was apparently in steam from
boiling water. It had not been emitted directly by fuel rods, which would be far
more virulent, they said.
"It's not good, but I don't think it's a disaster," said Steve Crossley, an
Australia-based radiation physicist.
Even the highest detected rates were not automatically harmful for brief
periods, he said. "If you were to spend a significant amount of time — in the
order of hours — that could be significant," Crossley said.
Less clear were the results of the blast
in Unit 2, near a suppression pool, which removes heat under a reactor vessel,
said plant owner Tokyo Electric Power Co. The nuclear core was not damaged but
the bottom of the surrounding container may have been, said Shigekazu Omukai, a
spokesman for Japan's nuclear safety agency.
According to IAEA report, Japan Earthquake Update (15 March 2011, 15:30 UTC)
An earthquake of 6.1 magnitude was reported today at 13:31 UTC in Eastern Honshu, Japan. The Hamaoka nuclear power plant is sited an estimated 100 kilometres from the epicentre.
IEC confirmed with Japan that the plant continues to operate safely.
Units 1 and 2 are decommissioned, Unit 3 is under inspection and not operational, and Units 4 and 5 remain in safe operational status after the earthquake.
On March 11, U.S. Ambassador to Japan John V. Roos declared a disaster due to
the effects of the earthquake and tsunami. In response, USAID/OFDA provided an
initial $100,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to assist with local relief
efforts which was part of it support to start and additional millions dollars has been supported.
There are many Companies supporting for the worst earthquake and tsunami among those companies, The Boeing Company announced that Boeing employees will contribute 2 million dollars to support relief Efforts in Japan. "While all of us at Boeing are saddened by the loss of life and unimaginable
destruction of this tragedy, we are deeply moved by the strength and resolve of
the Japanese people," said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney.
"Through the generosity of our employees and funds provided by the company, we
will support immediate needs for emergency supplies, food and medical care
through the American Red Cross and help ease the enormous task of longer-term
recovery and reconstruction."
Boeing directly employs more than 200 people in Japan and has long-standing
relationships with commercial and government customers, suppliers and industry
partners, and various universities and community organizations.
Also Amex has been also matching employee donations for relief efforts. Merchant
discount rates were also was rebated for charitable contributions made on the
American Express Card directly to the U.S. entity of non-profit organizations
listed on the USAID website for Japan earthquake and tsunami relief. The rebate
is effective retroactively from March 11 through May 15, 2011.”.
Continuation of support, In addition, USAID/OFDA activated a Response Management Team in
Washington, D.C. and deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team
(DART)—including two urban search and rescue (USAR) teams from Fairfax County,
Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California—to Japan to coordinate the U.S.
Government response and support Japanese USAR efforts. The DART included four
technical experts from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S.
Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. USAID continue to support what it's needed for Japan and other Pacific areas see the map.
.
Besides USAID and many other companies like Boeing, Alcoa, American Express , AT&T, Bank of America, Caterpillar, General Electric, IBM, Dow 30 Companies, the support is out pouring there are many other organizations and companies are helping to support Japan, you may browse thru that you are wish to support.
Our
prayers for comfort, peace, safe, healing, and quick recover for
those who affected by a disastrous Tsunamis will make the world
differences. The following web addresses to provide information
and handle donations for victims throughout the region. You may
choose one of these organizations to support Tsunami Relief (For 9.0 earthquake and the worst disasters in Japan).
Sources:
Boeing Company
Yahoo News
USAID
catch4all.com,
Sandra Englund, March 15th, 2011, Rev. March 16, 2011
9.0 Earthquake and Tsunami triggers the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant Hydrogen explosion at the Unit 3 reactor
After the tsunami struck the facility about one hour later, the generators used for emergency cooling stopped. The loss of power meant rises in temperature within the reactor systems as well as increases in pressure. Although backup power led to sufficient cooling in units 2 and 3, there was not sufficient cooling to unit 1, which resulted in falling water level and pressure increase. Elevated levels of nuclear radiation were measured inside and outside the facility. A hydrogen explosion destroyed the concrete weather cover of the reactor building (photographed), but left the steel reactor pressure vessel intact. Injection of seawater to the reactor vessel was used to provide cooling after the collapse.
On 13 March 2011, a partial meltdown at Unit 3 appeared also possible. As of 1pm 13 March, JST, both reactors 1 and 3 had been vented and were being filled with water and boric acid to both cool and inhibit further nuclear reactions. Unit 2 was reported to have lower than normal water level but to be stable, although pressure inside the containment vessel was high.
On 13 March 2011, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency announced that it was rating the Fukushima accidents at 4 (accident with local consequences) on the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES). 170,000–200,000 people were evacuated after officials voiced the possibility of a meltdown.
On 14 March 2011, the reactor building for Unit 3 exploded as well, injuring eleven people. It appears there was no release of radioactive material and TEPCO has said it was contained within the reactor bunker. Unit 2 was also in danger of meltdown. The plant consists of six boiling water reactors designed by General Electric.[1] These light water reactors have a combined power of 4.7 GW, making Fukushima I one of the 25 largest nuclear power stations in the world. Fukushima I was the first nuclear plant to be constructed and run entirely by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
Unit 1 is a 439 MW boiling water reactor (BWR-3) constructed in July 1967. It commenced commercial electrical production on March 26, 1971, and was initially scheduled for shutdown in early 2011. In February 2011, Japanese regulators granted an extension of ten years for the continued operation of the reactor. It was damaged during the 2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami. Unit 1 was designed for a peak ground acceleration of 0.18 g (1.74 m/s2) and a response spectrum based on the 1952 Kern County earthquake.All units were inspected after the 1978 Miyagi earthquake when the ground acceleration was 0.125 g (1.22 m/s2) for 30 seconds, but no damage to the critical parts of the reactor was discovered.
Fukushima Unite one through 6 were planned with the type BWR-5 which the the first criticality was on October 24, 1979 and Electric power was 1,100 MW the Reactor supplier was provided by General elctric and architectured by Ebasco which the comapny name is now Raytheon located Cambridge, Massachusetts in United States and constructed by Kajima Construction Corporation, Ltd located in Tokyo, Japan. Fukushima nuclear power plant Unit one through seven which type name is ABWR (Advanced Boiling Water Reactor): General III boiling water reactor by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy which the electrical power by using steam to power a turbine connected to a generator, the steamis boiled from water using heat generated by fission reaction within nuclear fuel. All of these planned in October 2016 with using 1,380 MW. See the Fkushima Nuclear Power Plant Condition in below: Source: wikipedia
IAEA report shows that Japan´s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has provided the IAEA
with further information about the hydrogen explosion that occurred today at the
Unit 3 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. A hydrogen explosion
occurred at unit 3 on 14 March at 11:01 am local Japan time.
All personnel at the site are accounted for. Six people have been
injured.
The reactor building exploded but the primary containment vessel was not
damaged. The control room of Unit 3 remains operational.
The circle of nature disaster destructed the humankind of
hard workmanship including...the earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and evacuations along Japan's Pacific coast and in at least 20 countries, along the entire Pacific coast of North America and South America. Japanese engineers raced to prevent a meltdown at a stricken nuclear plant on
Tuesday, on the other side, as rescuers are still in working to help millions left without food, water or
heating by a devastating earthquake and tsunami.
On March 11th, 2011, President Obama stated that:
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
"The United States stands ready to help the Japanese people in this time of
great trial. The friendship and alliance between our two nations is unshakeable,
and only strengthens our resolve to stand with the people of Japan as they
overcome this tragedy."
-President Barack Obama
According to The White House report, USAID is coordinating the overall U.S. government efforts in support of the Japanese government’s response to the earthquakes and subsequent tsunami. Visit www.usaid.govfor information about supporting the response efforts.
On March 11th, 2011, The secretary said that although Japan is a very sophisticated country, “this
is a huge disaster and we will do … anything we are asked to do to help
out."
Gates joined President Barack Obama, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Navy Adm.
Mike Mullen and other U.S. officials in offering condolences and aid to the
Japanese people for the massive disaster that struck near the coast of
Honshu.
“Japan is, of course, one of our strongest and closest allies and this
morning I spoke with Prime Minister [Naoto] Kan,” Obama said during a news
conference here. “On behalf of the American people, I conveyed our deepest
condolences especially to the victims and their families, and I offered our
Japanese friends whatever assistance is needed.”
President Obama received a briefing this morning in the Oval Office on the earthquake
in Japan and the tsunami warnings across the Pacific from several senior U.S.
government officials. President Obama says that "Our
hearts go out to our friends in Japan and across the region and we’re going to
stand with them as they recover and rebuild from this tragedy".
On March 11th, 2011, The Boeing Company was sending condolences and Boeing Chairman, President
and CEO Jim McNerney. said that "The thoughts of Boeing employees around the world are with the people of
Japan as they endure a difficult, tragic time,"
"We have strong, long-standing relationships with
colleagues, customers and business partners there, and we stand ready to support
our friends," McNerney said, noting the strength and resolve of the Japanese
response in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
Boeing informed with international agencies about support for earthquake
relief efforts.
Boeing has more than 200 employees in Japan. The majority have been accounted
for with no reports of serious injuries. The company is also monitoring the
earthquake's impact on facilities in Hawaii and along the U.S. Pacific Coast. So
far the only interruption has been the suspension of operations at a facility in
Hawaii, which is expected to resume normal operations by Monday.
U.S. is already prepared to support 9.0 earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan "Because of the longstanding and close working relationship between the U.S. military and its Japanese counterparts on a daily basis, the United States military has humanitarian assistance capabilities positioned in the affected regions that are ready to support emergency relief efforts and minimize human suffering," U.S. Ambassador to Japan John V. Roos said in a statement to the media yesterday, March 13, 2011.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III carrying a team of Pacific Air Force Airmen departed here March 12 to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in Japan.
There are many others are supporting for the worst earthquake 9.0 and tsunami in Japan. After the rain, always there is a sunshine as the nature promised...The deepest condolences, sympathies and prayers for quick recoveries for those of who lost loved ones among 10,000 people, injured who are in evacuation situation more than 200,000 people in Japan and other countries those of who are affected by the circle of nature disaster.....
CORRECTED by IAEA (Incident and Emergency Centre of the International Atomic emergency Agency)
0235 CET, 13 March 2011
An earlier version of this release incorrectly described pressure venting
actions at Units 1, 2, and 4 at the Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant. Venting
did not occur at these units.
Japanese authorities have informed the IAEA that Units 1, 2, and 4 at the
Fukushima Daini retain off-site power. Daini Unit 3 is in a safe, cold shutdown,
according to Japanese officials.
Japanese authorities have reported some casualties to nuclear plant workers.
At Fukushima Daichi, four workers were injured by the explosion at the Unit 1
reactor, and there are three other reported injuries in other incidents. In
addition, one worker was exposed to higher-than-normal radiation levels that
fall below the IAEA guidance for emergency situations. At Fukushima Daini, one
worker has died in a crane operation accident and four others have been
injured.
In partnership with the World Meteorological Organization, the IAEA is
providing its member states with weather forecasts for the affected areas in
Japan. The latest predictions have indicated winds moving to the Northeast, away
from Japanese coast over the next three days.
The IAEA continues to liaise with the Japanese authorities and is monitoring
the situation as it evolves.
Japan Earthquake Magnitude 9.0 caused Extensive Damages Two nuclear reactors are
Damaged and evacuated 200,000 People
March 12th, 2011,7:03 PM
The earthquake caused extensive damage in Japan, including heavy damage to roads and railways as well as fires in many areas, and a dam collapse. Around 4.4 million households in northeastern Japan were left without electricity and 1.4 million without water. Many electrical generators were taken down, and at least two nuclear reactors were damaged, which prompted evacuations of the affected areas, and a state of emergency was established and evacuated about 175,000 people. The Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant experienced an explosion almost 24 hours after the initial earthquake; however, while the blast caused the collapse of the concrete outer containment building, it was reported that the integrity of the inner core-containment vessel was not compromised. Residents within a 20-kilometre (12 mi) radius of the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant and a 10-kilometre (6.2 mi) radius of the Fukushima II Nuclear Power Plant were evacuated.
The estimates of the Sendai earthquake's magnitude made it the largest earthquake to hit Japan and one of the five largest earthquakes in the world since modern record-keeping began. It is thought to have been the largest earthquake within the boundaries of the North American and Pacific tectonic plates in 1,200 years. March 11-12, 2011 - INES Level 4 or higher, Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant, Japan - Explosion
After the 2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami of March 11th, the emergency power supply of the Fukushima nuclear power plant failed. This was followed by deliberate releases of radioactive gas from reactors 1 and 2 to relieve pressure.
On March 12, triggered by falling water levels, a hydrogen explosion occurred at the plant, resulting in the collapse of the concrete outer structure. Although the reactor containment itself was confirmed to be intact, the hourly radiation from the plant reached 1,015 microsievert (0.1015 rem) - an amount equivalent to that allowable for ordinary people in one year. Resident of the Fukushima area were advised to stay inside, close doors and windows, turn off air conditioning, and to cover their mouths with masks, towels or handkerchiefs as well as not to drink tap water. By the evening of March 12, the exclusion zone had been extended to 20 kilometres (12 mi) around the plan and more than 200,000 people had been evacuated from homes in northern Japan. Events are still developing.
The following is .civilian nuclear accidents, criteria have been followed:
There must be well-attested and substantial health damage, property damage
or contamination.
The damage must be related directly to radioactive material, not merely (for
example) at a nuclear power plant.
To qualify as "civilian", the nuclear operation/material must be principally
for non-military purposes.
The event should involve fissile material or a reactor.
For Environmental waste management, you may visit IAEA.org,
President Obama Responses Japan's Earthquake Magnitude 8.9 (Later Confirmed 9.0 by USGS) on March 11th, 2011
-------------------------------------------------
March 11th, 2011,9:31 PM
President Obama Received Briefing on the Earthquake in Japan and the Tsunami Preparedness and Response Actions in the United States: see the following more detail:
WASHINGTON—President Obama received a briefing this morning at 9:30 a.m. in
the Oval Office on the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami warnings across the
Pacific from a number of senior US government officials including Homeland
Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency
Administrator Craig Fugate via phone, and in the Oval Office with Chief of Staff
Bill Daley, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security John Brennan,
National Security Advisory Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Advisor Denis
McDonough, Senior Advisor David Plouffe, Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa
Mastromonaco, National Security Staff Senior Director for Resilience Richard
Reed and National Security Staff Director Asian Affairs Daniel Russel.
The senior officials provided the President with an update on the evolving
situation stemming from the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan
early this morning including the actions being taken to assist U.S. states and
territories that could be affected by the tsunami, as the President directed
earlier this morning – as well as the work being done to be prepared to assist
the people of Japan.
The US government continues to monitor the situation closely throughout the
Pacific region. To support potentially impacted areas in the United States, the
federal government remains in close contact and coordination with state and
local officials, and stands ready to support them. The government’s message to
the public is simple: listen to the instructions of state and local officials.
We urge everyone in the regions who could be impacted to listen to a NOAA
Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for updates and directions
provided by their local officials.
UPDATE: The President again spoke again on the situation during the opening
of his press conference:
Good morning, everybody. Before I begin, I want to say a few words about the
terrible earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan earlier today.
First
and foremost, our thoughts and our prayers are with the people of Japan. This is
a potentially catastrophic disaster and the images of destruction and flooding
coming out of Japan are simply heartbreaking. Japan is, of course, one of our
strongest and closest allies, and this morning I spoke with Prime Minister Kan.
On behalf of the American people, I conveyed our deepest condolences, especially
to the victims and their families, and I offered our Japanese friends whatever
assistance is needed.
We currently have an aircraft carrier in Japan,
and another is on its way. We also have a ship en route to the Marianas Islands
to assist as needed. The Defense Department is working to account for all our
military personnel in Japan. U.S. Embassy personnel in Tokyo have moved to an
offsite location. And the State Department is working to account for and assist
any and all American citizens who are in the country.
Tsunami warnings
have been issued across the Pacific, and we’ve already seen initial waves from
the tsunami come ashore on Guam and other U.S. territories, in Alaska and
Hawaii, as well as on -- along the West Coast. Here in the United States, there
hasn’t been any major damage so far. But we're taking this very seriously, and
we are monitoring the situation very closely. FEMA is fully activated and is
coordinating with state and local officials to support these regions as
necessary. And let me just stress that if people are told to evacuate, do as you
are told.
Today’s events remind us of just how fragile life can be. Our
hearts go out to our friends in Japan and across the region and we’re going to
stand with them as they recover and rebuild from this tragedy.
According the latest news media reports indicated that over 1000 people have died and more than 1400 are missing in six different prefectures.
Estimates of magnitude range from 9.0 to 9.1 MW making it the largest earthquake to hit Japan and one of the four largest earthquakes in the world since modern record-keeping began.
The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and evacuations for Japan's Pacific coast and at least 20 countries, including the entire Pacific coast of North and South America from Alaska to Chile. The tsunami warning issued by Japan was the most serious on its warning scale, implying that the wave was expected to be at least 10 meters (33 ft) high. A wave that high was observed at 3:55 pm JST flooding Sendai Airport, which is located near the coast of Miyagi prefecture, with waves sweeping aside cars and flooding various buildings as they traveled inland.The impact of the tsunami in and around Sendai Airport was filmed by an NHK News helicopter, showing a number of vehicles on local roads trying to escape the approaching wave and being engulfed by it. A four-meter-(13 ft) high tsunami hit Iwate Prefecture. A 0.5-meter (20 in)-high wave hit Japan's northern coast. Reports indicate that the wall of water was higher than some Pacific islands and the danger of tsunami flooding prompted warnings for almost the entire Pacific basin.
The United States West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Point Conception, California, to the Oregon-Washington border.
Wikipedia also reported that Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) has confirmed approximately 400 dead and approximately 700 missing in six different prefectures (also reported as over 1100 dead/missing combined).
Officials in Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai, which was heavily damaged by tsunami waves, stated that they had found the dead bodies of 200–300 victims.
By 09:30 March 11 UTC, Google Person Finder, which was previously used in the Haitian, Chilean, and Christchurch earthquakes, was collecting information about survivors and their locations. The Next of Kin Registry NOKR is assisting the Japanese government to locate next of kin for those missing or deceased.
It was reported that four passenger trains containing an unknown number of passengers disappeared in a coastal area during the tsunami. Two of the trains were on the Senseki Line. One of the Senseki Line trains was found derailed in the morning, and all passengers were rescued by a prefectural police helicopter.
A 25-year-old man who was taking pictures of the tsunami waves in coastal Del Norte County, California, was swept out to sea and later found dead.
Yahoo news reported that the Oil floating on water burns as a tsunami hits Kesennuma city in Miyagi prefecture March 11, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coaston Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people.
NTD H Asia Brief reported that Nuclear Power Plant in Japan Fire broke out the world biggest Nuclear Plant located in Northern Japan Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant, Fukushima I, Fukushima II and Tokai nuclear power stations were automatically shut down following the earthquake. Higashidori, also on the northeast coast, was already shut down for a periodic inspection. The Rokkasho nuclear reprocessing plant, also on the coast, was being powered by emergency diesel generators.
Separately, a fire broke out at the Onagawa plant. The blaze was in a building housing the turbine, which is sited separately from the plant's reactor.
The White House Immediate Release, March 11th, 2011, shows that During the News conference by the President Obama says that President Obama already told Prime Minister Kan that "we will provide whatever assistance that they need. My understanding is that the main assistance that we’re going to be able to provide them is *lift capacity, the ability for us to I think help in the cleanup."
Per IAEA (International International Atomic Energy Agency) reported that Japanese authorities have informed the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) that, starting at 9:00AM local time, they have started the preparation for the venting of the containment of the Unit 1 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi plant through a controlled release of vapour. The operation is intended to lower pressure inside the reactor containment. Evacuation of residents living within ten kilometres of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is reported to be under way. An area with a radius of three kilometres around the plant had already been evacuated.
The evacuation of residents living within three kilometres of the Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant is also under way. The IAEA’s IEC continues to liaise with the Japanese authorities, and is in full response mode to monitor the situation closely around the clock as it evolves.
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano expressed that “I would like to express my condolences and sympathies to the people of Japan who have suffered from this earthquake and to the Government of Japan,”
All IAEA staff in Japan, both in the Tokyo office and in nuclear facilities, are confirmed to be safe.
The following map shows that The areas affected by the quake provided by USGS:
.
USAID Report shows that a major emergency response operation is underway in NorthEast Japan following Friday's devastating tsunami triggered by the biggest earthquake on record in Japan. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit a t 1446 local time(0546 GMT), 120 km off the northeastern coast, at a depth of 20 km was followed by 10-metre high tsunami, casuing widespread destruction. Large coastal areas have been submerged and entire villages washed away. The vast majority of casualities are likely to be as a result of the tsunami rather than the earthquake.
Japan's government established an emergency Response Team, headed by Prime Minister Naoto Kan.
Since the earth quake in Sendai city, March 11, 2011, there have been after shock 6 times different Magnitude on a same places with the slightly different epic center locations which caused death toll more than 1000 and more than 1,400 people were missing, see the following:
You can see the Aftershock magnitude trends after the major 9.0 earthquake within short period time.
USAID responded immediately to Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Also The USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (USAID/DART) Urban Search and Rescue
(USAR) component concluded two weeks of operations in Christchurch on March 8.
The USAID/DART commenced demobilization of the USAR component on March 9, with
the final USAID/DART member scheduled to depart New Zealand on March 12.
Deepest Sympathy and condolences those of who lost loved ones and families from the Earth quake and Tsunami also prayers for quick recoveries for those of who injured through the disastrous nature disaster.
Earthquake Report by USGS Confirmed Magnitude 9.0 for near the east coast of
Honshu, Japan on March 11th, 2011 Preliminary Magnitude 8.9
March 11th, 2011,
According to the USGS, The 03/11/2011 earthquake (preliminary magnitude 8.9) near the east coast of Honshu, Japan, occurred as a result of thrust faulting on or near the subduction zone interface plate boundary between the Pacific and North America plates. At the latitude of this earthquake, the Pacific plate moves approximately westwards with respect to the North America plate at a velocity of 83 mm/yr. The Pacific plate thrusts underneath Japan at the Japan Trench, and dips to the west beneath Eurasia. The location, depth, and focal mechanism of the March 11 earthquake are consistent with the event having occurred as thrust faulting associated with subduction along this plate boundary. Note that some authors divide this region into several microplates that together define the relative motions between the larger Pacific, North America and Eurasia plates; these include the Okhotsk and Amur microplates that are respectively part of North America and Eurasia.
The March 11 earthquake was preceded by a series of large foreshocks over the
previous two days, beginning on March 9th with an M 7.2 event approximately 40
km from the March 11 earthquake, and continuing with a further 3 earthquakes
greater than M 6 on the same day.
The Japan Trench subduction zone has hosted 9 events of magnitude 7 or
greater since 1973. The largest of these was an M 7.8 earthquake approximately
230 km to the north of the March 11 event, in December 1994, which caused 3
fatalities and almost 700 injuries. In June of 1978, an M 7.7 earthquake 75 km
to the southwest caused 22 fatalities and over 400 injuries. In December of
2008, a sequence of 4 moderate earthquakes (M 5.3-5.8) occurred within 20 km of
the March 11 event. In the first 12 hours following the March 11 earthquake, the
region has experienced over a dozen aftershocks of M 5 or greater, the largest
being M 5.7.
Here is detailed Preliminary Earthquake info via USGS
Originally the earthquake was a 7.9 on the Moment magnitude scale, it was upgraded to an 8.8, then finally to Preliminary 8.9 by the United States Geological Survey making it the largest earthquake to hit Japan in recorded history.
Based upon data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, it is estimated the town of Kurihara has been completely destroyed and at least 4 people dead as of today's report from 2011 Sendai Earthquake. It is already twice happened for earthquake for this year. The last earth quake was on December 31, 2010 7.4 magnitude and March 9, 2011, 7.2 Magnitude for Honshu Earthquake. Preliminary 8.9 earth quake is the biggist magnitude report.
catch4all.com,
Sandra Englund, March 11th, 2011. 1:30 AM
.
