Earthquake in Japan, 2011

Massive search operation begins
26.4.2011: Tokyo, Tuesday 2:04 pm (PST: Monday 9:04 pm - GMT: Tuesday 5:04 am)

Now that the panic is more or less over, the Japanese government has ordered a large-scale search operation to look for dead bodies. At least 25,000 troops are being sent to the affected northeastern coast to conduct the search. While the official toll is given to be about 14,000, at least as many are still missing. Given the impact this earthquake has had on the Japanese infrastructure, these may never be found.

Japan plans plant shutdown
19.4.2011: Tokyo, Tuesday 1:40 pm (PST: Monday 8:40 pm - GMT: Tuesday 4:40 am)

The Japanese officials have said that they are planning a complete cold shutdown of the Fukushima plant by the end of this year. The power plant shows no sign of calming down, and the radiation levels in the nearby sea have risen by more than 1,000 times the legally permissible limit.

Also, the US has said that it would help rebuild the Japanese economy post the disaster. Bill Clinton visited Tokyo to express the support.


Premier faces flak, asked to resign
15.4.2011: Tokyo: Friday 2:02 pm (PST: Thursday 9:02 pm - GMT: Friday 5:02 am)

The Japanese premier Naoto Kan is facing growing opposition at home, asking him to resign. The anguish is over the way the 2011 crisis was handled by he government. However, Kan is adamant on rebuilding the nation and has given a boost to rescue and relief operations. The scale of this crisis is unprecedented, and in the days to come, the many indirect impacts will be realized.

Japan acknowledges economic blues
13.4.2011: Tokyo, Wednesday 7:37 pm (PST: Wednesday 2:38 am - GMT: Wednesday 10:38 am)

In a statement released today, Japan acknowledged that the earthquake will have a major impact on the Japanese economy. For the first time in six months, the country downgraded its economic estimates, saying that exports, manufacturing, and production have been badly hit. However, the overall impact of the earthquake is expected to be short-lived, as the economy is making slow progress already.

PM thanks world for support
11.4.2011: Tokyo, Monday 2:11 pm (PST: Sunday 9:11 pm - GMT: Monday 5:11 am)

The Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan has thanked the world leaders for their support during the recent earthquake crisis. The relief operations have picked up pace now, and a large segment of the population has moved to temporary housing. There are other hints of good news also: analysts say that the earthquake is unlikely to severely affect the nation's financial system.

Talk about recovering quick; we salute the Japanese spirit!


Huge aftershock causes jitters
8.4.2011: Tokyo, Friday 12:43 pm (PST: Thursday 7:43 pm - GMT: Friday 3:43 am)

A massive aftershock measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale rocked the northeast parts of the country. A tsunami warning was subsequently issued, but thankfully turned out to be false. The Fukushima power plant too suffered no damage, reportedly.

Fighting another possible explosion
7.4.2011: Tokyo, Thursday 1:04 pm (PST: Wednesday 08:04 pm - GMT: Thursday 4:04 am)

Even after the radioactive leak was plugged yesterday in the crippled nuclear plant, a new scare is building up. Now that the reactor would start cooling down, experts say this will cause a steep drop in air pressure and result in a huge explosion. This could easily snowball into the worst nuclear disaster in many years. The power plant officials are in the process of pumping nitrogen gas into the plant to maintain the pressure and avoid a possible explosion.

Radioactive leak finally stopped
6.4.2011: Tokyo, Wednesday 1:22 pm (PST: Tuesday 8:22 pm - GMT: Wednesday 4:22 am)

The radioactive leak at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant has finally been stopped, according to the Japanese officials. The leak was contaminating the ocean water, and carried the risk of a pernicious radiation spread. But Japan's problems are far from over. World over, foods being imported from Japan have been banned, and the US engineers are saying that the Fukushima nuclear plant is still unstable.

High alert in Fukushima schools
5.4.2011: Tokyo, Tuesday 1:19 pm (PST, Monday 8:19 pm - GMT: Tuesday 4:19 am)

An emergency campaign was started by the health officials in Fukushima to measure the radiation levels in the region. More than 1,400 schools and nurseries will be tested over the next two days. A 19-mile exclusion zone has also been advised for the children. The latest toll count stands at above 12,000 at the moment, and almost 15,000 people are not accounted for yet.


More yet to come: Bad economy and low confidence
4.4.2011: Tokyo, Monday 2:21 pm (PST, Sunday 9:30 pm - GMT: Monday 5:30 am)

The Bank of Japan's quarterly Tankan survey has projected that the economic condition is going to worsen much in the coming three months. Because of the badly affected production, the business confidence is low in Japan and the manufacturers remain largely pessimistic.

At the same time, the nuclear crises refuses to settle down and has sent the Tokyo Electric Power Co. in a tailspin. The radioactive leak has still not been stopped, and maintaining the required power levels is very difficult. The repeated aftershocks that are still being felt, as well as the false tsunami warnings, have done nothing to inspire confidence in the people.

Another Tsunami Scare?
28.3.2011: Tokyo, Monday 12:53 (PST, Sunday 19:53 - GMT, Monday 03:53)

Even after the Japanese crisis seems to have settled down, there is still a widespread scare of possible tsunamis. On Monday, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck near the last earthquake's epicenter, and it was feared that it might generate tsunamis in the coastal areas of the Miyagi Prefecture. For this, a tsunami advisory was issued early morning, but was later called off as it became clear that there was no risk of a tsunami.

But such incidents only add to the grief to the Japanese people, who have lost almost everything in this terrible disaster.

Workers back in damaged nuclear power plant
25/3/2011: Tokyo, Friday 13:26 (PST, Thursday 20:26 - GMT, Friday 04:26)

According to the latest reports, smoke has stopped coming out of the damaged nuclear power plant at Fukushima Daiichi and workers have been called in to resume repairs. At the same time, the radiation levels in the area and elsewhere have dropped considerably, and now there seems to be no risk. The official death toll has now been declared at 10,035 with over 17,000 people still missing.


After-effects of the earthquake : Chinese auto-industry hit
24/3/2011: Tokyo, Thursday 13:57 (PST, Wednesday 20:57 - GMT, Thursday 04:57)

The after-effects of the Japanese earthquake are now being felt in the rest of the world. Because Japan's has been a major economic force, this was likely to follow. According to the latest developments, Japanese carmakers had to shut down their plants in China because of the supply and process disruption after the quake.

Examples are Toyota and Nissan, who have halted production in the short-term. This would also affect the Chinese carmakers who are dependent on Japan for import of auto parts.

Food spoiled by radiation
23/3/2011 : Tokyo, Wednesday 12:50 (PST, Tuesday 19:50 - GMT, Wednesday 03:50)

According to the Japanese health ministry, the levels of radiation in vegetables ground in the Fukushima prefecture were tested very high. Another food ban has been enforced, this time on these vegetables. This has repercussions for other countries also - the US has banned some of the Japanese food imports until the radiation risk settles down.

Tokyo, Tuesday 13:01 (PST, Tuesday 20:07 - GMT, Tuesday 04:07)
Japan's nuclear crisis was indeed exaggerated - as of now, work has restarted at the affected Fukushima power plant. There were earlier reports of radioactive gasses being leaked into the atmosphere, but this time too the scare was not justified. However, it is now feared that the seawater surrounding the power plant would be contaminated with nuclear radiation, and it remains to be seen how this is handled.

Tokyo, Monday 13:02 (PST, Sunday 20:02 - GMT, Monday 04:02)
Japan has now banned the food and food products produced in the two provinces around the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. This restriction comes after high levels of radioactivity were found in milk and spinach produced around the area. Meanwhile, there is some relief at the power plant as the cooling operations seem to be bringing success. The authorities have however, warned that more radioactive gases might need to be released into the air.

Tokyo, Sunday 18:00 (PST, Sunday 00:59 - GMT, Sunday 08:59)
Japan has now banned the food and food products produced in the two provinces around the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. This restriction comes after high levels of radioactivity were found in milk and spinach produced around the area. Meanwhile, there is some relief at the power plant as the cooling operations seem to be bringing success. The authorities have however, warned that more radioactive gases might need to be released into the air.

Tokyo, Sunday 01:49 (PST, Saturday 08:49 - GMT, Saturday 16:49)
As an aftermath to the nuclear crisis, weak traces of radioactive Iodine were detected in the tap water in Tokyo. Near to the Fukushima area, even the food products are being found contaminated. It now appears that there might be a food ban in the area around the nuclear reactor.

Tokyo, Saturday 17:53 (PST, Saturday 00:53 - GMT, Saturday 08:53)
It is now becoming increasingly clear that the dangers of a possible radiation leak were exaggerated. There has been no serious leak till now, and the authorities have been able to restore power to the water pumps of the overheating nuclear reactor. In all probability, the situation will be under control soon.

Tokyo, Saturday 11:15 (PST, Friday 18: 34 - GMT, Saturday 02:34)
The WHO has said that the radiation leak in Japan is localized, and there is no threat to life. The world leaders are sending their condolences and aid for the disaster-hit Japan as relief operations continue. It now appears that burying the overheating nuclear reactor is going to be put into operation very soon.

Tokyo, Friday 20:31 (PST, 03:31 - GMT, Friday 11:31)
The Japanese nuclear and industrial safety agency has increased the 2011 crisis's rating to 5, putting it on the same level of severity as the Three Mile Island's. The level 5 means that there is now a serious threat of a nuclear leak, which would cause even more destruction to life.

Meanwhile, the official death toll has now been confirmed at above 6,500. More than 10,000 people are still missing, and there is no telling how this will play out when this disaster is finally over. One thing is certain, however: Japan will have to start from zero again.

Tokyo, Friday 18:06 (PST, 01:06 - GMT, Friday 09:06)
It seems as if all the past attempts to contain the nuclear reactor damage have come to a naught. The situation still remains the same, and now as a last resort, the authorities are considering to bury the dysfunctional plant. This is reminiscent of the Chernobyl disaster, where burying under sand and concrete had to be taken up as a last option.

This comes after the last two desperate attempts to cool down the plant-dumping water from helicopters and restoring the power cable to the pumps-appear to have failed completely to make any difference. Thankfully, however, the radiation levels measured around the reactor do not present any health risk yet.

Tokyo, Friday 13:41 (PST, Thursday 20:41 - GMT, Friday 04:41)
The US has initiated the evacuation process to get its citizens and paramedics out of Japan. The Japanese authorities are still struggling to contain the potential nuclear disaster, and today they were attempting to restore power to one of the plant's pumps to start cooling. It is being said that the spent fuel in the reactors may actually turn out to be worse than the fuel rods.

Tokyo, Thursday 21:45 (PST, Thursday 04:45 - GMT, Thursday 12:45)
The Taiwan authorities also detected higher radiation levels on Japanese passengers, although this is not a risk to public health. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has hampered the relief operations and is turning out to be the next major worry after the nuclear radiation threat. Japan is also short on food supplies and fuel, which could become far worse if not addressed shortly.

Tokyo, Thursday 19:20 (PST, Thursday 02:21 - GMT, Thursday 10:21)
The radiation fears in Japan have resurfaced. According to a recent story, the south Korean air authorities detected unusually high levels of radiation on three passengers from Japan. Although this poses no health risks to the public, it is a matter of concern.

Meanwhile, the US has asked its citizens to leave Japan immediately, saying that the radiation levels have become alarmingly high. China is also afraid of a possible radiation breakout, and iodine tablets are being distributed for precaution. The WHO, however, has said that there is no international risk of radiation spread.

Tokyo, Thursday 16:54 (PST, Wednesday 23:54 - GMT, Thursday 07:54)
The US troops arrived in Japan to help contain the nuclear crises. However, so far they have not been involved in any active operation. Airlines are continuously monitoring the radiation levels as the risk of a possible radiation wind is now increasing because of the toxic clouds forming over the damaged reactor buildings.

The Japanese authorities are finally facing the magnitude of this catastrophe; according to their latest statements, more than 13,000 people died in this.

Tokyo Thursday 13:32 (PST, Wednesday 20:32 - GMT, Thursday 04:32)
Helicopters are now being used to dump water on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in order to cool it down and contain the potential threat. Officials have said that the radiation levels are now dropping, which is a relief, even if very small, for everyone. Meanwhile, the Japanese stock market Nikkei fell once more as it continues to see-saw.

Tokyo, Wednesday 22:40 (PST, Wednesday 05:31 - GMT, Wednesday 13:31)
The Japan Red Cross has said that Tokyo is finally safe for travel. A little further, the police are trying to cool down the Fukushima Daiichi plant with the help of a water canon. The official death toll has been revised upward of 4,000 by now. Also, heavy snowfall in the quake-hit areas has made relief operations slow.

Tokyo, Wednesday 21:01 (PST, Wednesday 04:01 - GMT, Wednesday 12:01)
Japan has hinted that it might need the help of US military to help control the nuclear situation in the country, which seems to be spinning out of control. The Fukushima Daiichi plant is still unstable, and the possible rainfall has increased the risk of radiation spread. Should this happen, the city of Tokyo would be under considerable threat.

Tokyo, Wednesday 17:56 (PST, Wednesday 00:56 - GMT, Wednesday 08:56)
The Japanese emperor Akihito addressed the nation today and asked the people not to lose hope and to support each other. He termed the earthquake as the worst crisis since World War II, a sentiment echoed in the prime minister's address also.

The emperor's address is usually a rare event in Japan, taking place only during the times of war and national crises.

The official death count of this disaster now stands close to 4,000; however, the way things are, it is very likely to cross 10,000.

Tokyo, Wednesday 15:48 (PST, Tuesday 22:48 - GMT, Wednesday 06:48)
Workers at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was damaged in the Friday earthquake, were asked to evacuate the plant temporarily on Wednesday. The reason for this evacuation was white smoke spotted coming out of the plant. However, once the radiation levels had dropped to safe levels, they were allowed to return to the plant.

Tokyo, Wednesday 13:23 (PST Tuesday 20:24 - GMT Wednesday 04:24)
A new fire started at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plan on Wednesday, raising the fears of radiation spread further. The Tuesday fire had sent the radiation levels up by about 168 times, but it was back to safe levels once the fire died out. About 150 around the Daiichi area were examined, of which 23 were decontaminated, according to IAEA (International Atomic Energy Association). IAEA is helping Japan in damage-control and assessment of the nuclear hazards.

Tokyo, Tuesday 12:50 (PST, Monday 19:50 - GMT, Tuesday 03:50)
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant experienced another explosion, and with this there's a steep rise in the radiation levels around it. In an earlier blast in the same plant, 11 workers were injured. Because of this explosion, other reactors in the same plant have also caught fire, which spells big trouble for the already struggling Japan.

About 200,000 people have been evacuated from nearby sites.

Tokyo, Monday 19:18 (PST, Monday 11:18 - GMT, Monday 10:19)
It's gone from bad to worse for Japan. The official death toll has now reached near 1,700, and there is news of 2,000 more dead bodies being found near the Miyagi Prefecture. The radiation threat is also becoming a scare among the people after the third explosion at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, even though the authorities say that there has been no major radiation leak as of yet.

The rescue operations continue, and by now more than 15,000 people have been rescued.

Tokyo Sunday 04:42 (GMT Saturday 19:43, PST Saturday 11:43)
The nuclear reactor blast is turning out to be worse by the minute. While it was being said that there was little risk of any radiation leak, precisely the same has happened. Already, three radiation tests done near the reactor have been positive, which is alarming for the masses. People staying within a radius of 3 km of the plant have been ordered to evacuate.

Tokyo, Sunday 02:40 local time (Saturday 17:40 GMT, 09:40 PST)
Japan is finally waking up to the cruel reality of the earthquake devastation. The quake has moved the Japanese coast by a jaw-dropping 8 feet, and all previous estimates of casualties now stand corrected. There are varying reports, but the number is believed to be about 2,000. However, worse is still feared as thousands of people have gone missing.

Meanwhile, the US has sent aid for the quake relief operations.

Tokyo, Saturday 17:00 (GMT, Saturday 08:00 - PST, Saturday, 00:01)
Relief operations have started in Japan even as a nuclear emergency has been declared. However, the official sources that the chances of a radiation leak are very small. Japan has requested relief aid from other countries also.

Tokyo, Saturday, 13:30 local time (Friday 20:30 PST, Saturday 04:30 GMT)
At least 398 people are dead and 805 are missing after the massive earthquake in Japan, the Kyodo News Agency reported Saturday. Earlier, the news agency said the death toll from the massive earthquake would likely surpass 1,000.

Tokyo, Saturday, 11:30 local time (Friday 18:30 PST, Saturday 02:30 GMT)
Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has ordered the evacuation of the Galapagos Islands and of cities along the country's coast Friday.

Potentially dangerous problems cooling radioactive material appear to have cropped up at another of the Tokyo Electric Power Company's nuclear plants.

Tokyo, Saturday, 09:11 local time (Friday 16:11 PST, Saturday 00:11 GMT)
A small radiation leak feared from the nuclear plant in Fukushima about 140 miles from Tokyo. However, residents in 3 km radius of the plant were evacuated well in time. Radioactive material is feared to have leaked from one of its reactor.

Tsunami waves generated by yesterday's 8.9 M earthquake have hit some places on the coasts of Hawaii, California. People have been advised to move higher ground in Chile in South America. No major loss has been reported from these areas.

Tokyo, Saturday, 05:16 local time (Friday 12:16 PST, 20:16 GMT)
And finally, the worst fears of pacific coast have been realized - the tsunami waves generated by the massive Japan earthquake have finally arrived. The Californian and Hawaiian ports and harbors reportedly suffered some damage. Crescent City, California, was struck with three tsunami waves, one of them reaching a dangerous 8 feet. What alarms the coast guards is that these waves are considerably gaining height.

Meanwhile, it's complete pandemonium in Japan. The death toll has suddenly leaped to 1,000 and there are no signs that it will not shoot up further. The Fukusima nuclear plant has broken down, and a radiation crisis is being feared.

Tokyo local time 3:47 am Saturday (Friday: 10:47 PST, 18:47 GMT)
According to the latest news, the Japan 2011 earthquake toll will exceed 1,000 in all likelihood, and more can be expected in time to follow. Hundreds of missing people are yet to be traced, and so this figure will keep getting updated.

Meanwhile, the projected tsunami appears not to have done much damage on the Hawaiian coast. But the other countries are not taking it easy - Ecuador has already announced national emergency and people are being moved to higher regions for safety.

Tokyo local time 00:53, Saturday (Friday: 07:53 PST, 16:53 GMT)
The real assessment of the quake losses is yet to come, but the latest estimates have surpassed everything else. Now, it's many thousands possibly dead that the world is looking at. As missing people get reported and dead bodies identified, this toll is likely to rise.

Also, the tsunami has struck the coasts of Hawaii, and is also estimated to shortly reach Australia and New Zealand. Further update is awaited on this.

Tokyo local time 23:55 (06:55 PST, 14:55 GMT)
The death toll in the Japan earthquake has now climbed to a confirmed 93. However, reports of many more missing are pouring in very fast. As things stand, it is feared that the final toll may well be up to a few thousands.

Tokyo 22:30 local time (5:30 PST, 13:30 GMT)
The death toll in the devastating Japan earthquake event is now being estimated at a minimum of 50. The tsunami warning has also become stronger, and has now been extended to as many as 50 countries.

Tokyo 17:05 local time (00:01 PST, 0801 GMT)
The most-feared is finally out - 32 have been confirmed dead in the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan today. It is very likely that the toll will rise with time as more casualties are discovered. The local media agencies are saying that the total deaths has crossed 50, but an official confirmation is yet to come.