The largest economy in Asia and third largest economy in the world, Japan, is now faced with the largest crisis. A 8.9 magnitude earthquake shook Japan, which led to a 27 feet Tsunami wave, that collapsed its nuclear plants resulting in explosion and dangerous radiations. Nature remains the most powerful with no escape from its effects. People worldwide pray and hope speedy recovery(?) for Japan.
Japan
Japan, the land of rising sun, comprises thousands of islands on the pacific coast of East Asia. The Japanese Yen is the currency and people practice Shinto and Buddhism religions in Japan. With a strong history of resilient people and mighty leaders, Japan plays a prominent role in the world. Being the fourth largest exporter and fifth largest importer in the world, Japan has a strong hold in world’s economy.
Japan has excellent infrastructure with the its expressways, railways and roadways. Its high work ethics and affectionate people attract a lot of tourists from all around the world. Its manufacturing practices and technological production measures have set an example to the rest of the developing nations.
Earthquake
Earth has many earthquakes over the years but the most dangerous ones that are felt on the surface of the earth. They are caused by faulty planes in the earth’s interior that send seismic waves to the surface. Human activities such as mine blasts or nuclear tests can earthquakes.
Scientists can estimate but cannot predict the occurrence of earthquake. Seismographs record an earthquake, the scale of three or lower is unnoticeable while the scale of seven or higher is devastating. They can trigger tsunamis, cyclones, land slides, and volcanic activities among others.
Due to its location, Japan is prone to earthquakes and typhoons. The proximity to water proves to be dangerous naturally. Many earthquakes have shook up Japan in the past. The Japanese are prepared for similar disasters but were helpless when the magnitude was around 9 on March 11, 2011 followed by a monster Tsunami!
Tsunami
Sudden movements of earth planes under the oceans beds cause a large displacement of water. The displaced water result in large waves widely known as ‘tsunami‘. The waves travel with a speed of a jet under the water. When these waves hit a land, they cause a height of waves submerging the land around. In 2004, Indonesia and other surrounding nations were devastated by a monster tsunami in the Indian ocean.
Japan had many tsunamis in the past but the recent one is more dangerous. The waves hit within minutes of the warning. Older people and younger children who could not reach higher places lost their lives. Millions of people could not be traced with families entirely clueless whether their loved ones are alive or not. Funeral organisations cannot handle the large number of dead bodies appearing every day. However prepared the people are, all remain helpless under the power of nature.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy provides a clean and safer energy and helps reduce green house effects. The large energy generation with high safety standards has encouraged nations to set up nuclear plants. The developed nations encouraged the nuclear plants to meet the never ending demands of people.
Nuclear energy plants supply electricity to most of Japan. While nuclear plants are built with concrete and steel containers and have sound evacuation plans, the recent disaster in Japan had cut off power to the nuclear plants. The containers need power to supply to maintain the coolants and the equipment. One by one, the nuclear plants are exploding releasing large amounts of nuclear radiation in to the atmosphere. The exposure to the radiation may result in cancers and other complications to the current and future generations.
Help
All nations are sending people, equipment, money, and all other required things to Japan. The social networks such as the twitter and face book are helping people to stay in touch when the other means of communication is disrupted. Google has set up person finder options through which one can track their loved ones. The economy is having effects through out the world.
You can help by contributing to the Red Cross or any other organisation. Emergency preparation kits are now mandatory for all house hold everywhere!