Dateline March 11 2011. A day of natural catastrophe of unimaginable intensity has happened. An earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale devastated the northeastern coast of Japan at 2:46 p.m. This earthquake came with a very nasty surprise in the form of a tsunami up to 10 metres in height slamming into most of the northeastern coastal area leaving devastating trails of destruction in its path.
Not to mention the countless of fatalities due to this catastrophe, as of 1:00 p.m. today the estimated number of deaths is recorded at more than 1,000 but the actual number of fatalities could be much higher. To me, this earthquake is so reminiscent of the tsunami that devastated Acheh, Indonesia on December 26 2004.
Which brings me to say that yet again Mother Nature is probably sending her signal that she would not tolerate anymore abuse from mankind. I guess many of us also, myself included are wondering if the world is actually coming to an end.
I was watching National Geographic on the TV about a week or so ago about the history of the Earth. It was an eye-opening experience for me. From what I could gather from this particular documentary, the fate and future of the Earth actually lies in the natural forces that Mother Nature unleashes on the movements of water in the oceans and the movements of lava and magma in the core of the Earth. These movements would actually determine the fate of all living things on Earth.
In this day of rapid development and advancement all across the globe, each and every one of us should spare a thought for Mother Nature where our actions impacting the environment are concerned. Especially in the wake of the global climate change. Indiscriminate actions impacting the environment would definitely bring dire consequences to Mother Nature and all living things on the Earth. Humans are no exception to this.
Each natural disaster that happens, especially devastating ones like in Japan this past Friday as well as the tsunami in Acheh, Indonesia in 2004 should be stark reminders we could actually destroy not only the Earth but also ourselves if we are not mindful of our actions impacting the environment. It is not too late yet to help rehabilitate Mother Earth when we all are really serious about playing our respective roles. And we should be really serious about doing it.
Countries like Malaysia that is currently listed as an earthquake-free zone should start assessing her preparedness for the possibility of earthquakes happening in the near future. The Malaysian government should take into consideration of this possibility after what happened in 2004. I don't think Malaysia will be forever impervious from earthquakes and even volcano eruptions. As we are actually located extremely close to Indonesia, a country well-known for her violent earthquakes and volcano eruptions, the Malaysian government should consider drawing up contingency plans for devastating natural disasters. This move would very much help the country to prepare for the inevitable if it does happen in the near future.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are affected by this great earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and also to all the people from the other countries affected by it. We are all in it together so let us show our solidarity support for one another regardless of global and cultural boundaries in this time of need.
I should think that if people(the professionals)can detect the Richter scale on proceeding earthquake or volcanic eruption,and inform the relevant authorities on the matter as urgently as to assure evacuation,and evacuation be DONE on-time,people would be saved.(areas evacuated the fastest)!
ReplyDeleteIn 2004,my relatives felt the tremor from the vibrations made by the earthquake in Sumatera and their family was forced to remain on the ground floor for some time until the tremor dies.It was gruesome to know that vibrations from an earthquake in Sumatera can be carried across the Straits of Malacca all through Peninsular!
ReplyDelete@elaineliew: I did experienced a mild tremor when the earthquake in Padang happened in 2007. I was working late in the evening in the office in Subang Jaya on the fateful day.
ReplyDeleteThe office building where I was working did sway for about 5 to 10 seconds, but the feeling was like 5 to 10 mins. It was really scary, that is why I'm not so sure if M'sia is gonna stay earthquake-free for long.