Saturday, 12 March 2011

8.9-magnitude earthquake

The time when earthquake hit Tokyo, I was inside a building at 2nd floor. I felt the stationary on the table started moving. The lamp on the top of my head was swinging. That was earthquake. I used to stay clam if something happens and be alert. Though the earthquake last for a while and getting stronger. Some people around, especially the ladies keeping asked what they should do. Since I can't fully understand Japanese. I didn't say anything and just looked at them. Some were calm, but some were not. When the earthquake stopped, I talked to the guy next to me. I told him that I was shocked. He replied me that it was huge. I noticed that he was panic from his eyes. That was scary! After that he could't say a word and hide himself under the table.

At the beginning, I don't feel that bad, but once it back to normal, I couldn't focus on my work especially I saw the facial expression of the guy. That guy looks like everyone here is going to die! I felt my face went pale and I feel like having seasickness. I started to be panic and couldn't writing anything correctly. There are several aftershocks, later we all left the building. I found that the JR was stopped! I saw the building shaking badly, even me almost fell down. Cell phone didn't work after. I had no idea what I should do and where I should go.

Many people can't back home and stay at office overnight. I was lucky that I can back home. Though spending the whole night alone is not easy. Lucky I can still use the Internet to keep contact with my family and friend. I kept watching TV for the whole night. Alert is issued wherever there was earthquake on NHK. There was sirens for few seconds. Beeps!!!! There was aftershock around once an hour. I was wake by the alert on TV several times because there was earthquake in some prefectures, but not Tokyo. I feel aftershocks after each alert! That was tensed as I couldn't fell asleep fully. There was quite a number of aftershocks this morning, but it seems fine after 11am! Though now is 3 o'clock! I felt the aftershocks again and again! Tokyo is safe so far. 8.9 magnitude earthquake was the record in history! Though it doesn't happen in Tokyo, but in North-east Japan. Some cities in north-east Japan were struck by a devastating tsunami. Some overseas friends thought the earthquake covers the whole Japan. Once I talked to them, they found the media was bit misleading. Comparing to what happened in Tokyo. The power of the earthquake in north-east Japan would be 1000 times strong than what in Tokyo. Right now I'm safe in Tokyo.

Some friends still can't contact their family in north-east Japan. I wish everything will be all right soon.

Useful information:
中國駐東京大使館 03-34033064

災害用伝言ダイヤル (717)
For leaving message in a device. People can call back and listen your message.

In Japan, if the earthquake is above 4 magnitude, the gas meter will turn off automatically. You can reset the meter by yourself if situation is stable.

Instruction for reset gas meter, please go to

This blog is a part of the official JNTO Hong Kong Campaign

3 comments:

  1. A-chan glad to know that you are fine. I'm Calvin, also a blogger for JNTO living in Tokyo. Stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
  2. We were worrying about you here in HK.
    I'm glad that you are safe..Bless all the people in Japan.

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  3. Calvin! I am not sure how to leave comment on you page!
    Contact me via email athena.fung@gmail.com THANKS

    ReplyDelete