Strongest earthquake in 140 years hits Japan

Early this morning, an earthquake measuring 8.9 magnitude triggered a tsunami about 10 meters high that swept across northeastern Japan. This earthquake is believed to be the strongest to hit the archipelago in 140 years and is one of the largest this century.

So far, over a hundred deaths have been recorded in Japan, but the number of victims is expected to be much higher. The death toll is rising by the hour. Amateur videos are flooding the internet, and lists of names are circulating on microblogging platforms, such as the one created by @eriiiic, which compiles messages sent by French people currently living in Japan (@eriiiic/french-in-japan).

The Japanese, many of whom are without telephone and electricity, are now communicating via Twister, sending 1,200 tweets per minute in Tokyo. Indeed, landline and mobile telecommunications networks remain subject to severe disruptions several hours after the earthquake. Smartphone users can communicate instantly from wherever they are.

Other targets

According to experts, the waves produced by the tsunami could affect many other areas of the Pacific. Hawaii has already been hit by strong waves, but they are not believed to have caused any damage. French Polynesia and the Marquesas Islands are expected to be affected by the earthquake later today.

A precautionary alert has been issued for parts of the Californian coast, parts of Alaska, Washington State and the Canadian province of British Columbia.

On the other side of the vast Pacific Ocean, several countries are preparing for a possible impact. Ecuador, for example, has issued an alert and ordered the evacuation of coastal areas.

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