Today we had the biggest earthquake I’ve experienced in the 18 years I’ve lived in Japan. It felt very much like our house was about to collapse. The walls were visibly swaying back and forth and groaning ominously.
It was like a roaring giant was standing beside the building, punching it.
Fortunately, the only consequence was some objects knocked off shelves (my wife’s perfume). All the trains were shut down and both my wife’s and my classes were cancelled for the day because the trains weren’t running. The TV news is showing nonstop images of damage in Osaka. We have had four pretty strong aftershocks so far, each decent earthquakes in their own right. Three people died, including a 9-year-old girl who was killed when a wall collapsed on her.
Past the Isle of Dogs 
Living in Christchurch New Zealand, I have now been through quite a few bad earthquakes (including one that killed 185 people and destroyed a lot of the city). They’re rather nasty and unsettling things aren’t they?
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To say the least! I remember well seeing television news reports on the Christchurch earthquake and being very impressed by the warmth and humanity of the police response. One female officer said at a news conference, in relation to searching and caring for missing children in the aftermath, “I’m a mum too.”
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So sorry! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
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I was just reading about this on the news. I’m glad that you are physically safe – please stay that way!
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Thanks! I’ll do my best!
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Please stay safe!
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‘Tis my intention!
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Just saw the video on the news. We had a 6.1 where I am from and it is indeed scary! Hope you and your family are well!
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Thanks, Valerie!
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I’m glad you are ok. Take care!
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Thank you for your kind thought, Aki!
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Just this moment hit with the third and strongest aftershock of the past 8 hours (meaning, during the night. It is almost 5:00am now). No way to sleep.
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I was in a 6.5 in the Dominican Republic … scary aren’t they? Glad you’re safe. Stay well 🙂
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They sure are. Kind of interesting too.
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Having come out the safe side of it, yes, it makes for a good story and experience
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mybetterlife, thanks for your kind wishes. Yes, they makes for an interesting experience as long as they aren’t devastating. Several years ago, when I lived very close to Mt. Fuji, where we had quite a few small earthquakes, someone I met who’d grown up in the area said she’d always thought earthquakes were very fun. I’m not sure I’d go that far, but I get where she’s coming from. When my son’s teacher yesterday ordered the class to get duck under their desks when the earthquake struck, almost all the kids were very happy and excited instead of scared.
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