Tsunami Hits Japanese Coast; No Severe Damage to Technology-Based Facilities

On Friday morning, Japan was hit by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake, triggering a substantial tsunami along the eastern coast. The towering seven-meter tsunami completely submerged the buildings, homes, and vehicles in its path, while washing up rice fields and towns up to six miles inland.

In Sendai, nearly 300 bodies were found as a result of the record-breaking quake, the 23-foot tsunami, and the 30 to 50 aftershocks that shook up the land. Japanese media stated that more than 600 injured individuals were reported by police, and Japan’s Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, publicized his concern for the wide-spread damage, saying the earthquake was “enormously powerful” and caused “tremendous damage.”

According to reports, between 60,000 and 70,000 people were told to evacuate their homes and offices to go to shelters located in the Miyagi Prefecture and Sendai areas. Kan also stated that 8,000 troops were sent to provide support to help the recovery of the suffering cities.  U.S. military support has been called for assistance, as well.

Panasonic, JVC, Ikegami, and Sony, each with facilities in Japan, have fortunately not reported any damaging news. Of the technology leaders, so far only Sony was forced to shut down six plants following the initial quake.

According to Dave Walton at JVS, trains are shut down, leaving employees without transportation and limiting their efforts to travel home and even evacuate the towns.

Ikegami’s overseas sales department facility in Tokyo reported no news of the tsunami’s effects, Brian McKernan told SVG.

Since 1900, Friday morning’s earthquake was recorded as the world’s fifth-largest quake. The ensuing tsunami reached Hawaii as well, but no severe damage was cited. Parts of the California coast received warnings too, as preparation for any after-effects were taken into consideration. The tsunami is unlikely to make physical impacts on the United States’ land.