A disquieting jolt
We just experienced what I assume was a very minor earthquake, but which seemed to last an inordinately long time. And of all the earthquakes I’ve felt in Japan (there have been many, including a decent-sized 4.3 magnitude one just yesterday), this is the first one that was accompanied by an aftershock (that I could feel). Kaika slept through it, but there is disquiet in the minds of his parents tonight.
Naoko says that according to early reports being flashed on the TV, in our area of Saitama, the earthquake was only a 3 on the “Shindo scale” that Japan uses to measure quakes, but a 4 in Tokyo. Initial reports indicate the earthquake measured 5.1 magnitude on the Richter scale, and was centered in Chiba prefecture (in the same spot as yesterday’s quake).
UPDATE: Not surprisingly, the quake was jolting enough to compel more than a few of us to post about it: Ore no Buloggu, Tokyo Tidbits, Wirefarm, Cerebral Soup, sajjadzaidi.com, The Blog From Another Dimension, and turquoise all blogged about the temblors.
Comments
Comment from economist
Time May 12, 2003 at 12:54 pm
When my apartment started swaying to the earthquake, I jumped out of bed and ran to the door. Gee, I hate those little suckers. I was living in Osaka during the big one that destroyed Kobe City and everytime the ground begins moving, I remember running outside in my underwear. All my neighbours thought I was truly ‘mad’ when they saw me outside of the apartment.
Comment from bluesocks
Time May 13, 2003 at 3:37 pm
I felt that one and damn near threw up my dinner. I think model airplanes are stronger than my apartment.
Thanks for the link!
Comment from James
Time May 14, 2003 at 4:41 pm
i think maybe ive gotten used to them. the earthquakes used to really freak me out. but these recent ones ive been a cool customer, only deigning to comment on the length of shaking.
my mother in law told me that if its horizontal there is nothing to worry about. its vertical movement that should cause alarm. as in all things housewifery, i follow her example. best thing to do is just make more tea.
Comment from chriskk
Time May 12, 2003 at 2:11 am
Felt and blogged it also. This is my second Jishin blog post. I haven’t gotten used to earthquakes like Tokyoites. Inaka-pe ka na?