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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

17th Anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake


At 5:46 in the morning of January 17th, 1995, a strong earthquake struck Kobe area. A magnitude of 7.3, the epicenter of the large-scale earthquake was a mere 16km directly underneath. Known as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, this disaster was responsible for a large loss of life (6,400) and extensive damage of many homes and public buildings (about 240,000), as well as many fires in the aftermath.

 This year more than 5,000 people attended the memorial ceremony held in the park closed to Kobe City Office and prayed for both lives lost in Kobe and in the Great East Japan Earthquake that attacked Japan's northeastern Tohoku Region 10 months ago.


I learned again how precious people's lives are and at the same time, how vulnerable our modern lives are. People were exposed  electricity cut off, gas loss and no tap water for several months. They were forced to live a really tough life for a long time.

I will never forget these two earthquakes, and people who were lost and are still struggling to recover from the disastrous damage.  I strongly  believe that Tohoku region will come back again from the dead as Kobe did.

4 comments:

  1. My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Japan ..
    Hugs and blessing
    Cucki xxx

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  2. Even though we have not had a natural disaster in our area for several years, my husband feels that there is all the makings and signs of a big earth quake here in central US. We are preppers and have water and other necessities stocked up. I only wish more people would do the same.

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  3. Yes, earthquakes are such a horrible calamity. I've experienced the worst in the Philippines too, back in 1990. So much loss and agony.
    Let's all keep praying for the victims of all the calamities taking place in the world. I believe that soon, all such problems will be eliminated because Someone who truly cares for mankind made a promise that will never be broken. Eveything on earth will turn out fine.
    I like your lotus pictures, they're so lovely.

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  4. Unfortunately, Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. I am always amazed by the attitude of the Japanese people who show such courage and bravery in the face of disaster. There is a lesson there for all of us to learn.
    Your floral tribute is fitting. I certainly believe that the Tohoku region will come back and the people will recover...

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