Strong Quake: Japan 6.4 - My Earthquake Experience and What You Need to Know
Hey everyone, so I wanted to share my experience with the recent 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan. It was, uh, intense. I'm still kinda shaky, honestly. This wasn't my first rodeo with earthquakes – I've lived here for, like, ten years now – but this one… this one was different. It totally freaked me out.
The Ground Started Shaking...Hard!
It happened around lunchtime. I was making myself some ramen – instant, of course, who has time for anything fancy? – when suddenly, BAM. The ground started shaking. Not that little jiggle you sometimes get, this was a full-on, furniture-rattling, holy-crap-I'm-gonna-die kind of shake. My ramen went everywhere. Seriously, everywhere.
My first thought? Get under something sturdy. I dove under my kitchen table, which, thankfully, didn't collapse. My cat, Mittens, wasn't so calm. She was freaking out, which honestly, I couldn't blame her. The whole apartment felt like it was going to be swallowed up by the earth.
The shaking lasted for what felt like an eternity. I'm pretty sure my heart was beating out of my chest. It was longer than most of the earthquakes I've experienced before, which made it feel even more terrifying.
Aftershocks and Aftermath: What to Do
Once it stopped, I slowly emerged from under the table. The mess was epic – ramen everywhere, things knocked off shelves. It was a disaster. But it could have been worse. My apartment was relatively ok, thankfully.
Important things I learned (and maybe you should too):
- Have an Earthquake Kit: This isn't some 'prepper' thing; it's essential. Keep water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a radio in a readily accessible location. I was lucky I had a pretty well-stocked kit, that helped my nerves.
- Secure Your Belongings: I learned the hard way that loose objects are extremely dangerous during a quake. Secure heavy furniture to the walls using straps – seriously, it's worth it. And aftershocks can be just as powerful and unexpected. I will definitely do this moving forward.
- Know Your Emergency Exits: This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. Practice escaping your home or apartment. Knowing how to get out quickly is crucial, especially if there's building damage.
- Check on Neighbors: After the shaking stopped, I checked on my neighbors. It is good to have a sense of community during an emergency. Many people were already helping each other. Solidarity is key.
What to do after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake?
The aftermath is crucial too. Check for injuries, report any damage, and follow instructions from local authorities. The information you find through these channels will help mitigate the damage.
This 6.4 quake, though frightening, was a reminder of the importance of preparedness. I wish I could say I always keep up to date on earthquake preparedness but I do not. My experience emphasizes the need to be ready. It's scary stuff, but being prepared can make all the difference. Stay safe, everyone! And for god's sake, secure your bookshelves.