Another quick update: The Russia earthquake

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(Courtesy ABC10 / KXTV Sacramento)

Yes I’m a GLINTS disaster relief volunteer, responding to the aftermath of earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan since 2011. Several people reached out to me for more details and info. I don’t claim to be an expert about these natural disasters. The best I can tell you is Japan was able to avoid a potential tragedy, as there was little damage in the country and for that matter, a surprisingly little amount of harm elsewhere. We even received a tsunami advisory here in Southern California, more out of caution.

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I’ve posted this photo at least several times, nonetheless it reminded me about the potential power of any tsunami. This particular photo was taken in Kamaishii, the ship being carried about a mile inland by the power of the 2011 tsunami. Eventually this ship was taken apart piece by piece since there was no crane or any other equipment capable of moving the ship back to the ocean. To see this firsthand was truly humbling.

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(Courtesy International Tsunami Information Center)

One question I think I can answer is the difference between a tsunami and a “regular” ocean wave. The latter waves flow back-and-forth in a circular motion. High waves during a storm can cause significant damage but is characteristically different from a tsunami wave.

A tsunami is something triggered by offshore seismic activity, causing a wave to travel straight ahead and not recede like a standard wave. The height of the wave determines how much potential damage can result. Last week’s Russian earthquake caused a tsunami just over four feet in height. By comparison, the 2011 tsunami caused a wave of over 30 feet to crash onshore, causing damage several kilometers inland.

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I took this picture during my first visit to Japan as a disaster relief volunteer. This wall in Kamaishii was built to protect the community, it was over 20 feet tall. Unfortunately it was no match for the 2011 tsunami.

All of the areas that we’ve served – the Sendai area, Kumamoto, and the Noto Peninsula, emerged relatively unscathed from last week’s Russia earthquake. But the potential for a disaster is always there.

Of course I’d prefer not to have to go to Japan and deal with natural disasters. I’d like to visit as a tourist (last time was before my son was born, he’s now 24). On the other hand, even if nothing were to happen, there’s still cleanup, rebuilding, and community work to be done throughout Japan. As long as I / we feel called, we’re follow the calling.

I hope that answers a couple of questions about what happened last week. Aaron has written his reflections about our most recent trip, Peter has been encouraged by his dad (me) to please finish soon. Please stay tuned.

P.S. My GLINTS bio is now posted for your review.

#glints #notohelp

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