I'm sure the word has successfully been passed around, but I'm safe and sound in Tokyo. Although the trains and phones and text messaging services are down, the internet is thankfully still going so I can contact everyone.
I was at Aeon (work) at the time, it was 2.45pm when I felt an earthquake. Not particularly crazy, and I'd already felt one 2 days earlier, so not shocking.
Actually before today, I liked earthquakes, they seemed 'novel' and 'exotic' and it's interesting to be reminded that the Earth is still moving and developing.
Unfortunately this particular earthquake was no normal one and quickly began to increase in intensity until we realised it was a 'big one' and at the same time instinctively ran outside, where other staff and customers had also piled out of nearby shops and restaurants.
I don't want to describe it in detail as not to scare you, but let me say it was very scary and the earthquake lasted several minutes.
Here is a video I took during the first after-shock, which would have been about 5 in magnitude.
Some photos:
We're okay but a little 'shaken up'!
I was at Aeon (work) at the time, it was 2.45pm when I felt an earthquake. Not particularly crazy, and I'd already felt one 2 days earlier, so not shocking.
Actually before today, I liked earthquakes, they seemed 'novel' and 'exotic' and it's interesting to be reminded that the Earth is still moving and developing.
Unfortunately this particular earthquake was no normal one and quickly began to increase in intensity until we realised it was a 'big one' and at the same time instinctively ran outside, where other staff and customers had also piled out of nearby shops and restaurants.
I don't want to describe it in detail as not to scare you, but let me say it was very scary and the earthquake lasted several minutes.
Here is a video I took during the first after-shock, which would have been about 5 in magnitude.
By the way 'yabai' means 'oh crap'
Some photos:
A little damage to Aeon, and we were forced to close.
People strive to find our more information
It took me an hour to walk home from work, where I studied and contacted friends on facebook. Fortunately nothing in my apartment was broken, and my dishes survived!
If ever there was a way to cure me of my love of earthquakes, it would be the terror of the initial big one, followed by 'normal-sized ones' coming about every 5-10 minutes for the last 10 hours. These aftershocks are going to ensure that I get little sleep tonight. Nothing to do but 'ride it out', and hope people I haven't been able to contact, and students, are okay. With the trains down, I heard that my former coworker, Simon, walked home for 5 hours today, and my school friend Branwen is staying at her office tonight. I should count myself lucky to have been able to even get home!!
Love to all,
Clare
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