Some new info on the TV news in Japan. 20 people confirmed dead so far. Many, many more are listed as missing and their condition and numbers unknown. Some large fires raging out of control, one significant one in an oil refinery. Massive whirlpools forming in the ocean very close to the coast of Ibaraki prefecture(where the 7.9 hit). Tsunami warning will probably be in effect overnight here.
In the areas where the 2 big quakes hit there is no power, gas, or heat online and its unknown right now when they will be up again. It is snowing heavily there and is about -1 to -4 degrees celcius tonight. Not so cold compared to a Calgary winter, but cold in a humid climate with no heat or power working, and most of the homes here are not insulated like they are in Canada. And throughout the rest of the region power is on in some areas and off in others. I have to count myself very fortunate as my power is still on, but some areas in my city have no power and its not known when it will be back. I was able to quickly cook (a very humble looking) dinner for my kids, but many are not so fortunate today. However if a big tsunami comes in they'll hit the panic switch and cut off all the power and gas in the city.
I also feel bad for all the people stuck on trains, and around train stations now. They'll probably have to wait out the night, as it's also unknown when the railways will reopen. I couldn't even guess how many, but I know in the Tokyo metropolis alone there are millions who use the trains everyday. Imagine being stuck on the C-train with rush-hour crowds for an unknown amount of hours. I probably missed some stuff as my Japanese language skills are not so great yet and I only understand about half of what is said on the news here.
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