Yesterday at 5:06 a.m was the strongest earthquake i had experienced so far here in Japan, I woke up startled viewing my overhead lamp was swaying back and forth. I felt from my fourth floor condominium, that the building was actually swaying. It was shocking and scary. I can not imagine if the earthquake hits us more than that.
In our place it was shindo 4 ( intensity 4 in the Richter Scale). The most affected area is Shizooka-ken with shindo 6 ( intensity 6 in the Richter Scale) . In Japan, they use " shindo scale " to measure the intensity of earthquake at a given location. While the rest of the world use " Richter Scale " to measure the magnitude of earthquake.
Shindo Earthquake is range from:
1 - earthquake is felt by those who is not moving
2 to 4 - still minor and do not cause damage
5 - cause heavier damage, and object are falling
6 to 7 - severe damage
Japan is prone to Earthquakes because it is surrounded by volcanoes and hot springs. The Government of Japan is taking all the precautionary measure in the upcoming earthquake which is said to be a major earthquake . It was predicted that this going to be a serious and major that will hit the Honshu area. They called it quake " TOKAI Earthquake "
TIPS NEED TO KNOW " Surviving Earthquake " from Survival manual
1). Inside the House - Take Cover -
When indoors, stay calm and immediately take cover over near a strong and stable wall or supporting post/pillar. Do not run outside without verifying the conditions. Immediately extinguish any possible sources of flame in the area.
2). If you are OUTDOOR during the Earthquake - move away from the Building
3). If you are Underground like in subways - calmly assess the situation and do not panic. Avoid stampede. Follow the instruction of the trained personnel who coordinate evacuation procedures.
4). Inside Department Stores and Supermarkets
Do not Panic. A power outrage may follow after an earthquake. Calmly follow the instructions of the personnel.
5). Inside Moving Vehicles
If you are inside a bus or a train do not panic and do not jump out of a moving vehicle. Follow the instructions of the driver or train personnel.
If you are in a car, pull over to the left hand side of the road and park there.
6). Near coastal areas.- evacuate from areas close to the sea-
as coastal areas maybe in danger from tsunamis, relocate to a higher ground as soon as possible.
Know your Disaster Emergency hotline: dial 117
Public Buildings and Schools are designated evacuation areas.