Northeast Japan Earthquake: Strong Quake Strikes Off Battered Coast

TOKYO -- A magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck off Japan's battered northeastern coast Thursday, but there was no risk of a tsunami and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said the quake was centered off the coast of Ibaraki, about 140 miles (220 kilometers) east of Tokyo, at a depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers). The agency said there was no danger of a tsunami from the quake.

Nearly 20,000 people died or were left missing across Japan's northeastern coast after a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11. The disaster damaged a nuclear power plant, forcing another 100,000 people to leave their homes because of a radiation threat.

The operator of the tsunami-hit Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, Tokyo Electric Power Co., said the plant's cooling functions were intact after Thursday's quake and there was no change to radiation levels around the plant. The plant is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of the epicenter.

Comments

[Shaktas Na]

11:07 AM on 09/19/2011

Huffpo does it embarrass you at all to constantly be behind in news?

Due to these constant and unending earthquakes the Japanese are protesting for their lives:

http://enenews.com/reuters-60000-people-at-protest-in-tokyo-demanding-end-to-nuclear-power

[WeMustDoBetter09]

11:44 AM on 09/19/2011

Hi SN! So good to see you! If you scroll down, you'll see the NEW LINK to HP about the protests too. Hope you post there too!!
FF!

[CaptD]

01:19 PM on 09/19/2011

Faved for caring about the Japanese and the slowing down of HP!
Don't Stop!

[outnow]

10:57 AM on 09/19/2011

The damage to the brand name of products from Japan has been severely damaged as a result of Fukushima. The peace of mind of the citizens of N/E Japan has been lost for generations possibly.

There will be medical and genetic problems with all this radiation, much of it will be internal emitters that were inhaled or ingested.

The idea of atoms for peace looks like nothing more than a very cruel joke. We are yet to know the status of other nuclear power stations in Japan as the onslaught of earthquakes continues.

This event is a game-changer for Japan. The rest of the world has finally awakened to the threat. The system failure of old nuclear reactors cannot be prevented since the system is only as good as the weakest components and the acuracy of predictions about earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. Then human error kicks in, and Murphy's Law tells us more than all the physics and chemistry can. Rube Goldberg machines are no match for Nature. The best laid plans of mice and men are doomed to fail.

[WeMustDoBetter09]

11:21 AM on 09/19/2011

Funny, I feel hesitant about reposting your comment on the other thread.
Deep down I know you wouldn't care...since we cant do DUPES.
But...can I? repost?

[WeMustDoBetter09]

11:53 AM on 09/19/2011

Nevermind. I see you there now...and that's good enough for me!
FAVED!!

[WeMustDoBetter09]

10:56 AM on 09/19/2011

CaptD! I hear someone calling you!
ME!
Where's MD been anyway?
Come out, come out wherever you are MDinoregon!

[CaptD]

11:28 AM on 09/19/2011

I hear you!
Japan is starting to wake up to their Nuclear reality!
Things are getting Zippy! :-)

[CaptD]

11:29 AM on 09/19/2011

I think he said he was still in Vacation mode!

[WeMustDoBetter09]

08:50 AM on 09/19/2011

Wow! New Main!
About the Tokyo Protests!
Right here at H P!
Good going H P!

[WeMustDoBetter09]

08:52 AM on 09/19/2011

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/19/nuclear-power-protests-tokyo-japan_n_969385.html

[WeMustDoBetter09]

08:47 AM on 09/19/2011

Concerns of Fireworks made in Fukushima
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nn20110919x2.html
A plan to use fireworks made in Fukushima Prefecture at a festival Sunday in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, was canceled after residents — some fearing they could be contaminated with radioactive materials — protested.

Nisshin Mayor Kozo Hagino said he regretted the fact that radiation fears had prevented the fireworks from being used, even though the event was aimed at supporting regions devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, an area that includes Fukushima.

Organizers instead replaced them with those made in Aichi Prefecture, sources said. Those fireworks made in Iwate and Miyagi were launched according to plan.

[outnow]

09:07 AM on 09/19/2011

Morning!

It is highly symbolic of the psychological effects of radiation to cancel the use of potentially contaminated fireworks. The celebration of life and the fear of radioactive fallout are incompatible. To prevent panic, the authorities were dishonest and were eventually caught concealing the extent of the meltdowns. The USA knew immediately from heat emissions that there were core melts. Then the cover up began in Japan.

Since the radiation was spread by plumes, nobody really knows when and where it might pop up. You now need a sophisticated radiation detector for detecting hot spots and food and water that are contaminated. Meanwhile, you may be breathing hot particles.

There is a vast difference of opinion about the extent of the danger. But stigma is something to be avoided. Radiation stigma itself will be another badge of failure for the nuclear industry. The industry and the government cannot regain credibility lost initially in preventing panic. The fact is that hot spots, hot particles, contaminated food and water will be more or less random but frequent for decades, centuries or millenia. Neither TEPCP nor the government of Japan can dispute this fact.

People want security and justice. Now they will have neither because of the long half-lives of the nuclides. In fact, the americum is going to increase for several decades, as I understand the situation. Cesium will be around for over a hundred years. Very sad situation for all.

[WeMustDoBetter09]

09:32 AM on 09/19/2011

Excellent comment Outnow. We are looking at a future that looks so bleak. Increased illness/deaths. It's all so unbelievable...like a nightmare we can't wake up from NOW. what else can i say...
You know, it makes you wonder - IF they would have been upfront from the very beginning, IF they hadn't tried to coverup the EXTENT of this disaster, asked for help etc. My mind reels with "IF ONLY" daily...Water under the bridge now. 3/11 opened my eyes. I want better. My grandchildren want better. So frigging sad...
FAVED

[WeMustDoBetter09]

08:31 AM on 09/19/2011

Japanese Government to Invite Foreigners Who Have Large Facebook and Twitter Followers to Tohoku So That They Can Tell Their Followers "Japan Is Safe"
http://ex-skf.blogspot.com/2011/09/japanese-government-to-invite.html
It's buried in my previous post about radioactive canned fish and wheelchair out of Tohoku as ODA, but this merits its own post because of its sheer absurdity.
~ snip ~
So the Ministry correctly identified the social media like Facebook and Twitter that played a significant role in the Middle East uprisings. What they have chosen to ignore was that the social media was used by the protesters as a countermeasure to the government propaganda, not the other way around.

Using the same budget, the Ministry is hiring two people with collage or graduate degrees to tweet in English on behalf of the Ministry, and take care of these social media foreign visitors when they come. The message that they should tweet is about how charming Japan is and how well it has recovered from the earthquake/tsunami disaster. The position is temporary, lasting 6 months starting October 3, and you are to work 5 days a week excluding weekends and holidays for up to 29 hours per week. One hour lunch break. English proficiency is a must.

If you think you've got what it takes to do the government propaganda, contact:

03-5501-8127
03-5501-8126

[CaptD]

10:02 AM on 09/19/2011

I wonder if there are some Wealthy Japanese that would support those that want to share the Truth instead of the Nuclear SPIN?

[WeMustDoBetter09]

08:18 AM on 09/19/2011

Japan faces crossroads for rebranding itself after Fukushima crisis
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nb20110919ve.html

[CaptD]

10:09 AM on 09/19/2011

This is yet more Nuclear Baloney (NB)!
Snip:
"Today, the quality of life in Tokyo is probably higher than in most — if not all — of Asia's largest cities, whether that be in terms of safety, air quality, public transportation or number of three-star restaurants. Expanding and exporting these strengths will do Japan good in a world where half of the population is already living in urban areas. And it would certainly ensure that its brand remains attractive both here and abroad."

Air Quality, Safety and RADIATION H☢T Spots do not make Japan better!

This is yet another "COST" to Japan because of their Trillion Dollar Eco-Disaster...

What are these PR firms thinking?
Visit Japan, see radioactive pollution first hand!

[WeMustDoBetter09]

08:07 AM on 09/19/2011

Oh man your gonna like this Editorial...most definately!

Kenzaburo Oe: Resignation to and responsibility for Fukushima disaster
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/news/20110919p2a00m0na001000c.html

It hasn't been long since I read a science fiction piece in which humankind decides to bury massive amounts of radioactive waste deep underground. They are stumped by how they should warn the people of the future who will be left to deal with the waste, and by who should sign the warning.

Unfortunately, the situation is NO LONGER a matter of fiction. We are one-sidedly unloading our burdens onto future generations. When did humankind abandon the morals that would stop us from doing such a thing? Have we passed a fundamental turning point in history?

After March 11, I stayed up until late every night watching television (a newly formed habit following the disaster). There was a television reporter who went to check in on a house with the lights on in an area that was otherwise dark due to evacuation orders. As it turned out, a horse was in labor and the owner was unable to leave its side. Several days later, the reporter visited the farm once again, and saw the mare and its foal indoors in the dark. Their owner's expression was gloomy. The foal had not been allowed outside to run around freely because radioactive material-contaminated rain had fallen on the grass.

continued....

[WeMustDoBetter09]

08:12 AM on 09/19/2011

"The crisis has taken away lives that many people are still trying to get back. What messages can we deliver to those people and how? I need to hear those words, too, and the person I have turned to for guidance is the physician Shuntaro Hida, who has been speaking about the dangers of internal exposure to radiation since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
"If you have already been exposed, you must be prepared. Resign yourself. Tell yourself that you might be unlucky and see horrendous effects several decades down the line. Then, try to build up your immune system as much as you can to fight the hazards of radiation.

"But will making the effort to avoid buying vegetables that may be tainted be sufficient in protecting you? It's better to take precautions than to not take them. But radioactive materials continue to leak from Fukushima, even now. Tainted food has infiltrated the market, so unfortunately, there's no guaranteed method of protecting yourself from internal exposure. Abolishing nuclear power and cutting off radioactivity at its source is a much faster way of dealing with it."

(i'll let you guys read the rest in English)

[CaptD]

10:34 AM on 09/19/2011

To: Mr Kenzaburo Oe

I too have been watching since 3/11 and Japans Trillion Dollar Eco-Disaster has also affected many of us globally!

I have considered myself a supporter of Japan and Japanese products for a very long time but 3/11 has fundamentally changed my opinion of the Japanese Gov't ! I never considered that the Japanese Gov't. would allow global radioactive pollution to "be made in Japan" yet after 6 months it still continues, PLUS the ongoing radioactive pollution continues to be covered up and or SPUN by TEPCO, with the Gov't.'s approval!

What I now understand is that the Japanese culture is lacking something very basic, which is the ability to just say NO! By not being able to say NO, the Japanese people have no way to guide their Leaders or change their Countries Policy! Japan is doomed to additional suffering because Man cannot control Nature, despite what nuclear engineers say...

☯

Please Respect Nature

It's OK to just say N☢

The World is watching

[WeMustDoBetter09]

08:01 AM on 09/19/2011

Good morning Moderators. I was wondering, would H P allow you to stop moderating this thread now? As you can see, it's only us Regulars here and it just seems like a waste of your time to be watching the comment section. Thank you for posting all comments though. They DO come through eventually I see and we appreciate it.

Thank you
H P Japan (Ir)Regulars

[CaptD]

11:05 AM on 09/19/2011

It is so sad to slow down the freedom of discussion!

The Japanese must feel even worse!

[WeMustDoBetter09]

07:55 AM on 09/19/2011

to appeal a departure from dependence on nuclear power "rally of 50,000 primary Goodbye" 19, was held at Meiji Park in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The parade and rally of about 60,000 people participated in the presentation sponsor. After the nuclear accident is likely the largest.

Japan National Congress atom and hydrogen bomb ban (原水禁) and composed of experts from "10 million primary action Goodbye" organizer. The author's alone in Kenzaburo Oe 呼Bikake人 (76) "Nuclear energy always entails a sacrifice in ruins," he said.

Taro Yamamoto, the actor who participated (36), "Japanese politics today are ignoring the safety and lives alone," complained the primary removal and, together with the participants 'against nuclear power and keep the kids' slogans and raised. Then, participants with placards and banners were paraded about 2-4 kilograms divided into three courses, such as Shinjuku and Harajuku Meiji Park.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmainichi.jp%2Fselect%2Ftoday%2Farchive%2Fnews%2F2011%2F09%2F19%2F20110920k0000m040033000c.html%3Finb%3Dra

[WeMustDoBetter09]

07:47 AM on 09/19/2011

WOW!! MAJOR EVENT IN TOKYO!
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lefigaro.fr%2Fflash-actu%2F2011%2F09%2F19%2F97001-20110919FILWWW00465-fukushima-grande-manifestation-a-tokyo.php
Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Tokyo today to say "Never Fukushima "and claim" the cessation of nuclear power plants ", just over six months after the nuclear accident. About 60,000 people marched, according to the organizers, during one of the most important gatherings since March 11, the day of 9 magnitude earthquake and the giant tsunami that caused the failure of the Fukushima Daiichi plant (220 km northeast of Tokyo) and release massive radiation.

"Stop nuclear power plants! Fukushima No more!" Shouted the demonstrators gathered near the Meiji Shrine in the center of the capital, under a blazing sun. Now the Nobel Prize for Literature Kenzaburo Oe told the crowd: "Some say it is impossible to do without nuclear energy, but it's a lie. Nuclear power is always accompanied by destruction and sacrifices ".

Antinuclear organized by several associations, the event also attracted residents of Fukushima Daiichi who were forced to evacuate their homes.

The new Japanese prime minister , Yoshihiko Noda, promised to announce by the summer of 2012 an aggressive new policy, where the nuclear share would be reduced in favor of renewable energy. Before the accident in Fukushima, the worst since Chernobyl (Ukraine) in 1986, Japan plans to increase the share of nuclear electricity in just under 30% in 2010 to 50% by 2030.

[CaptD]

10:40 AM on 09/19/2011

Nice image!
This says it all:
snip

"Stop nuclear power plants! Fukushima No more!" Shouted the demonstrators gathered near the Meiji Shrine in the center of the capital, under a blazing sun. Now the Nobel Prize for Literature Kenzaburo Oe told the crowd: "Some say it is impossible to do without nuclear energy, but it's a lie. Nuclear power is always accompanied by destruction and sacrifices ".

[WeMustDoBetter09]

07:36 AM on 09/19/2011

9/19 Japan vows at IAEA confab to stabilize Fukushima Daiichi by year-end
Kyodo Subscription Required

[WeMustDoBetter09]

07:43 AM on 09/19/2011

FINALLY my Avatar shows up. Pretty isn't it? That's what I want to see in the Pacific Ocean! From Alaska to San Diego - WIND TURBINES gently spinning, providing enough Electricity to power every city, in every state down the West Coast! It could be done...it will be done!

[CaptD]

10:51 AM on 09/19/2011

Very Nice!

If they can build off shore oil derricks, why not off shore turbines!

Beyond the Horizon and out of sight = Clean Power!

[WeMustDoBetter09]

07:32 AM on 09/19/2011

Prime Minister Kan: Japan cut in two? 30 million in Tokyo faced evacuation scenario — “I wasn’t sure whether Japan could continue to function as a state”
http://enenews.com/prime-minister-kan-japan-cut-30-million-tokyo-faced-evacuation-scenario-wasnt-sure-japan-could-continue-function-state-everyone-250km-be-evacuated

In the days immediately after the crisis began at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, the government received a report saying 30 million residents in the Tokyo metropolitan area would have to be evacuated in a worst-case scenario, former Prime Minister Naoto Kan revealed in a recent interview. [...]
“It was a crucial moment when I wasn’t sure whether Japan could continue to function as a state,” he said.

After the March 11 earthquake and tsunami crippled the plant, Kan instructed several entities to simulate a worst-case scenario. One of those assessments said everyone residing within 200 to 250 km of the plant — an zone that would encompass half to all of Tokyo and cut clear across Honshu to the Sea of Japan — would have to be evacuated. [...]

[WeMustDoBetter09]

07:28 AM on 09/19/2011

Oh just great...
Emergency declared at Michigan nuke plant: Reactor shut down after leak exceeded plant’s technical specifications — Cooling system spewing more than 10 gallons a minute
http://enenews.com/emergency-delcared-at-michigan-nuke-plant-cooling-system-spewing-more-than-10-gallons-a-minute-leak-exceeded-the-plants-technical-specifications

[undsoweiter]

07:46 AM on 09/19/2011

I believe the term is "unusual event," not emergency.

[Genders]

06:30 PM on 09/19/2011

You believe wrong. Any failure of a nuke cooling system is an emergency. Loss of grid power too.

[desertlabs]

07:36 PM on 09/19/2011

That's just a euphemism used by the Industry to minimize the perceived risk...you are burying yourself in your own semantics. The momentum is strengthening against the Industry...they are struggling to keep their head above water.

[termgirl]

09:11 PM on 09/18/2011

Energy efficiency is not only the cheapest and easiest way to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions; it will actually save consumers money. A report from the McKinsey Global Institute stated that the installation of highly efficient light bulbs and appliances nation-wide could displace the equivalent output of more than 60 large nuclear plants.

http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/thumbs-down-to-the-nuclear-energy

[CaptD]

09:39 PM on 09/18/2011

Faved
Great post!
I installed dimmers many years ago and am amazed at how most folks either have their rooms super bright or dark.

[WonderingNThinking]

03:12 AM on 09/19/2011

I should have said the extra cost for energy efficient appliances pay for themselves within a couple of years.

[WonderingNThinking]

03:11 AM on 09/19/2011

Let's do it. I'd like to see only efficient bulbs and appliances for sale in the marketplace. This would drive the cost of them down. And even now, applicances pay for themselve in a couple of years in energy and water savings (less water use also means less energy use for treatment and distribution). Get the bulbs on sale and you'll have payback in a couple of months (fluorescents use 25% of the energy of incandescent bulbs). I replaced everything and my bill decreased $50 per month (for a family of two). A family of four could probably save $100/month.