Reason for this page

As we deal with the PANDEMIC COVID-19, we have to know how to survive IF any mega earthquake happens, since it is not like we can go to the evacuation site, which will be a risk for us getting the virus.

The purpose of this blog is:

• To raise awareness that we can expect a mega earthquake anytime soon (it is not something we can avoid living in Japan), 
• To prepare ourselves for it, so we can survive.

Background

Living in Japan to deal with the earthquakes is something unavoidable. 

Growing up in Japan, my grandmother, who gave me my name always shared a story of this M7.9 mega earthquake hitting Tokyo on the month when she was born in Sep 1923. It will be nearly 97 years since then.

Many of you may recall 3.11 mega earthquake where tsunami sucked thousands people's lives.

Well, we have had many massive earthquakes historically.

However, because of the normality bias, it's quite easy to forget how threatening experience we had with 3.11 in 2011, where the tsunami swallowed thousands of lives in an eye blink, or how the M7 earthquake in Kumamoto totally collapsing the historical building like the Aso shrine.

I do not know how many documentary and tv programs that were aired since 3.11, warning us of a possible next mega earthquakes. Most of the Japanese citizens are very aware of this fact that we could face a mega earthquake based in Tokyo and/or in the Kanto region. But how many of us were ready for such a thing if we are told we are getting it this month? 😏

The last great quake to hit Tokyo was in 1923. Experts estimate the next one is due roughly a century on, with an estimated 70% chance of a magnitude-7 quake hitting Tokyo before 2050. It is no longer a question of if but when the big one will come.

Funny Feeling

A few days after we welcomed 2020, I just could not stop feeling how the world will split us into two: one based on ego and another based on love by a possible nature disaster.

So I bought all these emergency food supply, where we could make cooked meal by pouring either water or hot water. The price of this product as well as emergency blanket now costs x3. The pre-packed emergency backpack now apparently is no. 1 selling item today at Rakuten! It is clear that there is a higher demand now. Btw, this was actually the first time I bought anything like it to be honest. I do not know what it is, but I just had this really funny feeling that we have to be prepared. So since this Jan, I gradually collected all these items for the what ifs.

As per the recent many frequent earthquakes, I started to really feel funny about it again.

I saw this twitter warning that we could have a M6 level earthquake on 6th or 7th of May, when I was about to sleep.

（5月6日または5月7日）東京、日本エリアで6.2地震が発生する可能性がある - https://t.co/9gnY4xO5Is pic.twitter.com/Gm6PmqrBt6

— Japan Earthquakes (@earthquakejapan) May 4, 2020

Then I woke up with a warning message from my baby sister alerting me of the same but with a different source.

I called my dad and we were like, "Yap, I think we now have to be quite serious about preparing ourselves now".

So I checked my emergency supply for any event the lifeline stops as per a mega earthquake, only to remind myself.. What about the emergency bag?

I used to collect my emergency supply goods in this box after 3.11, but this time I felt I need to actually pack everything in a backpack and actually be ready to evacuate.

I went through a mental simulation, what I would do if a mega earthquake happens.. and more I visualize about it, it helped me understand a few things I had to take actions.

Why do I prepare myself?

The experts are reminding us to prepare for the mega earthquakes lately now I also realized, so I think this time, I think we have to face this.

After experiencing the COVID-19, it does not really surprise me anymore even if we are been hit by a mega earthquake now.

On the positive side, while being asked to stay at home, it actually helps us prepare better though, rather than being stuck unprepared outside of our home.

Also, if I know how to survive then I will have energy to help others, don't I?

I feel that my mission here on earth is to help others as much as I can, so I am preparing myself remembering how hopeless 3.11 made me feel watching all these people being sucked by tsunami at front of my eye over a live TV.

It is better to be prepared than be sorry, when dealing with a mega earthquake, which we do not know what to expect but we can at least prepare for the worst, you know?

Do you think the victims of 3.11 prepared themselves if they knew that mega earthquake would hit Japan back then?

I hope you find this blog useful.

Thanks and let's be careful!