Justin's Earthquake Experience
Here's what Justin had to say about Japan. He's currently in Kitakami, which is about 90 miles north of Sendai and 30 miles inland. I don't think he has any idea of what we're seeing in the news of the seriousness of everything, since he has no access. But, here's his firsthand account. I knew if I did not prompt him to answer the questions I wanted to know, he'd be a typical guy and not be too descriptive. Thankfully, he listened to his bossy older sister and answered my questions.
What were you doing when the earthquake hit?
---When the earthquake hit we were in the church teaching a lesson to a less active. We were about 20 minutes in when the first big earthquake hit.
What does a 9.0 earthquake feel like?
---Was it really 9.0? I hear that sendai was around 9, but Kita Kami was about 7.5 maybe 8, but then again that is just what I have heard, I dont really know, no tv or radio.... haha (although we did get yelled at by someone for not knowing)
Were you able to 'duck and cover' or did you kind of freeze thinking it would end soon?
---We just sat at the table, lol. Nothing was falling over or anything, so I figured it was ok, just lots of shaking.
Is Kitakami ruined, or are you guys still able to live there?
---Kita Kami is perfectly fine. A few of the glass windows on the larger buildings are wrecked, but things are fine. Some of the older buildings had parts fall off, but nothing catastrophic. Nothing like what you would imagine.
Did you have to go to an evacuation center? ---No
Do you have any of your stuff? ---The apartment was a little shaken, and the whiteboard fell over, but it really just looked like someone robbed the place looking for money.
Do you guys have food and water?
---After the earthquake we just lost electricity. Gas and water worked fine here, but other placed they were out water too. But because of the lack of electricity, we lost hot water.
The news shows bare shelves, I hope you guys have some sort of rations or essentials.
---There were long lines at the stores, I took some pictures, haha. We went shopping today and didnt have any problems. Media makes things so much worse, but then again, I dont know about other areas.
Are the aftershocks terrifying, or is there no way they can compare to the big quake?
---The first big one was the worst. The other earthquakes after and the aftershocks are still going. After the first half day, it just kind of became normal.
Have you been able to take pictures and document things, or is that not even on your mind? ---mentioned above
Is it as painful (not in a bad way, but for lack of a better word) for you to not be able to call us and let us know you are ok, as it is for us to wait for updates?
---I havent been worried at all. This maybe a little sadistic to say, but part of me wants to feel a bigger earthquake. But then again two days of not having warm water is less than suffering. Mabye after a week or so with no water too, I might change my mind. It doesnt feel as if it was a big deal.
What now? If Kitakami is not damaged as badly as I imagine it is, can you stay there? Do they move you to another area? What have you been doing since the earthquake hit?
---Life goes on as normal. Shops, stores, adn everything else will be back to normal in a day or two.
What were you doing when the earthquake hit?
---When the earthquake hit we were in the church teaching a lesson to a less active. We were about 20 minutes in when the first big earthquake hit.
What does a 9.0 earthquake feel like?
---Was it really 9.0? I hear that sendai was around 9, but Kita Kami was about 7.5 maybe 8, but then again that is just what I have heard, I dont really know, no tv or radio.... haha (although we did get yelled at by someone for not knowing)
Were you able to 'duck and cover' or did you kind of freeze thinking it would end soon?
---We just sat at the table, lol. Nothing was falling over or anything, so I figured it was ok, just lots of shaking.
Is Kitakami ruined, or are you guys still able to live there?
---Kita Kami is perfectly fine. A few of the glass windows on the larger buildings are wrecked, but things are fine. Some of the older buildings had parts fall off, but nothing catastrophic. Nothing like what you would imagine.
Did you have to go to an evacuation center? ---No
Do you have any of your stuff? ---The apartment was a little shaken, and the whiteboard fell over, but it really just looked like someone robbed the place looking for money.
Do you guys have food and water?
---After the earthquake we just lost electricity. Gas and water worked fine here, but other placed they were out water too. But because of the lack of electricity, we lost hot water.
The news shows bare shelves, I hope you guys have some sort of rations or essentials.
---There were long lines at the stores, I took some pictures, haha. We went shopping today and didnt have any problems. Media makes things so much worse, but then again, I dont know about other areas.
Are the aftershocks terrifying, or is there no way they can compare to the big quake?
---The first big one was the worst. The other earthquakes after and the aftershocks are still going. After the first half day, it just kind of became normal.
Have you been able to take pictures and document things, or is that not even on your mind? ---mentioned above
Is it as painful (not in a bad way, but for lack of a better word) for you to not be able to call us and let us know you are ok, as it is for us to wait for updates?
---I havent been worried at all. This maybe a little sadistic to say, but part of me wants to feel a bigger earthquake. But then again two days of not having warm water is less than suffering. Mabye after a week or so with no water too, I might change my mind. It doesnt feel as if it was a big deal.
What now? If Kitakami is not damaged as badly as I imagine it is, can you stay there? Do they move you to another area? What have you been doing since the earthquake hit?
---Life goes on as normal. Shops, stores, adn everything else will be back to normal in a day or two.