8.9 earthquake in Japan: Tsunami watch; preparedness reminder

(Video recorded at a home in Japan during the earthquake)
We’ll leave the information about the huge, magnitude 8.9 Japan earthquake to those who are covering it directly – but a couple of notes: First, the federal websites providing tsunami information are finally working properly (until a half-hour or so ago, they were not reflecting the watch that is in effect for the ocean coast) – here’s where to go for that information. Note that even though any wave generated in a situation like this is technically a “tsunami,” if one actually hits this side of the Pacific, it could be barely a ripple – we have seen that scenario play out time and again – BUT it is never a reason for complacency. “Watch” means lowest level of “keep your radar up.” We’ll be keeping an eye on the situation all night.

Second, until we get information about relief efforts to help the quake survivors, here’s something you can do to not feel so powerless in the face of the horrifying scenes from the Japan quake zones – THINK PREPAREDNESS. Start by knowing your Emergency Communication Hub location. Here’s the West Seattle-volunteer-created, info-rich West Seattle Be Prepared website, as a place to start.

2:50 AM UPDATE: This table has the projected height of whatever “tsunami” might hit the Washington ocean coast. Note the highest is about three feet.

10 Replies to "8.9 earthquake in Japan: Tsunami watch; preparedness reminder"

  • nighthawk March 11, 2011 (1:38 am)

    It’s now saying that it’s a warning for parts of the W. Coast including Oregon to Washington border but still an advisory for most of Washington Coast/B.C.

  • WSB March 11, 2011 (2:02 am)

    Yes, definitely not a big deal. The wave that may hit, if any, would be barely noticeable, most likely. Nonetheless, vigilance always good. Here is the latest full text for West Coast:

    http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/05/messagelhvpd9-05.htm

  • GenHillOne March 11, 2011 (5:54 am)

    Maybe we should point out that the video is what we are told NOT to do? Running around the house with a camera, going outside, laying down on the sidewalk (under power lines no less!)…duck & cover, lady.

  • joko kepruk March 11, 2011 (6:23 am)

    deep condolences to japan..

  • Bill March 11, 2011 (7:18 am)

    Having just moved onto Duwamish Head from Tornado Alley in TX, I wondered what kind of effect a tsunami would have in the Sound. I guess I will find out, and take some front row photos since there is no need to evacuate.

  • 22blades March 11, 2011 (7:30 am)

    Just made emergency landing near Tokyo. ATC a mess. Gas and go to get out of Tokyo area to Osaka. The few open airports are littered with airplanes. PAX & crews stranded once they find safety.

    • WSB March 11, 2011 (8:05 am)

      Wow! Be safe, 22blades .. If you have any photos or other information to share about anything, you can e-mail us directly at editor@westseattleblog.com … I hope whether you are there on business or something else, that the people you are there to see are OK … TR

  • 22blades March 11, 2011 (8:13 am)

    Even areas of no mass destruction, Tokyo has come to a grinding halt. No public transit, cabs. Temps are going down to 6C. During the initial moments, public transit ground to a halt with masses walking off the railcars & on the tracks. Tokyo power gris fine but a nuclear power plant is having problems pumping coolant due to loss of power. Area being evacuated. Flew over industrial areas on fire.LPG and petrochemical plant tanks are on fire. Streets are jammed. Subways coming back online.

  • Magpie March 11, 2011 (8:16 am)

    My nephew is in Osaka and reported shortly after it hit that he was ok. This is terrifying to say the least…

  • 22blades March 11, 2011 (8:36 am)

    Local media reports numerous nuclear plants having auto shut-downs with some on fire. Thousands on evacuation order but military cannot appraoch the area due to fire. Apparently, the diesel back-up generators have failed to power the coolant pumps.

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