A magnitude 7.3 earthquake was reported just under 300 miles off the northeast coast of Japan Friday evening. The modest quake stirred up some tsunami waves, though none reaching higher than a meter. Five tsunami waves hit total, resulting in only minor injuries. The quake is the first since the magnitude 9 quake struck Japan last year. That quake also resulted in tsunami waves, waves reaching as high as 30 feet and killing some 15,000 people. The event also triggered a nuclear meltdown that resulted in a large contamination of the surrounding waters. While this event was much less traumatic thani that from a year ago, it is still enough to enease the nerves of many who are still recovering from the devestation from the last wave. The full story can be read here: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/07/world/asia/japan-earthquake/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
A final thought can be made for secondary hazards, like the minor flooding that occured from this wave. Three feet of water hardly compares to thirty feet, but flood damage is felt nonetheless. Japan, being an island, is quite prone to regular flooding. Being a more developed country, they are sure to suffer great material loss, including insurance coverage. Let's hope they can avoid this kind of destruction in the near future.
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