This week’s Ring of Fire events are
centered in Southern Japan. Multiple Earthquakes ranging from 4.7 to 7 on the
Richter scale have rocked Japan over the last few days. Earthquakes arrive
unannounced unlike winter storms and Hurricanes, the best way to mitigate the
risks is to prepare prior to the event, not after.
The Ring of Fire is an area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean
where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. In a 40,000
km (25,000 mi) horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous
series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate
movements. It has 452 volcanoes (more than 75% of the world's active and
dormant volcanoes). [1] The Ring of Fire is sometimes called the circum-Pacific
belt.
About 90% [2] of the world's earthquakes and 81% [3] of the
world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire. The next most
seismically active region (5–6% of earthquakes and 17% of the world's largest
earthquakes) is the Alpide belt, which extends from Java to the northern
Atlantic Ocean via the Himalayas and southern Europe.[4][5]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_of_Fire
Japan has been
historically known to proactively mitigate Earthquake damage within its borders
through aggressive building codes and public education. Anyone who has watched
the news has seen that the Japanese people react calmly during and after the
initial shocks have hit their areas. This is because the Japanese People have
been educated on the subject of Earthquake survival. This education begins in
elementary school.
Reviewing a general
High School curriculum shows that Disaster Mitigation Education is integrated throughout
the curriculum. This integration of Disaster Mitigation Education within its
culture develops a survival mindset.
http://www.hyogo-c.ed.jp/~maiko-hs/e/DM_edu/new_bosai_edu_e.htm
Maybe this is why the current death
toll and injuries are so low compared to the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989
The Japanese culture
of disaster mitigation is in deep contrast to the American antipathy of
preparing for anything that does not provide immediate self-gratification. The
United States has repeatedly proven to have a reaction centric after the
disaster mindset when it comes to dealing with emergencies and disasters.
Reviewing our
political culture shows us that our politicians are content providing “We the
Sheeple” a constant cultural identity of the Victim needing to be rescued.
Stupidity is an elemental
force for which no earthquake is a match. - Karl Kraus
An interesting video
I located while searching for material for this post relates to Los Angeles, CA
and what the politicians are dreading there. I recommend that you look at
it; http://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2015/08/27/maevewest-leading-after-disaster-origwx-gr.cnn/video/playlists/strong-quakes-around-the-world/
Of note in this three
minute short is that the Mayor, Eric Garcetti at no time mentions educating the
public on surviving a major earthquake in the Los Angeles basin. Rightfully he
is concerned with maintaining the infrastructure. Listen carefully, he already
knows the city will be lost.
My thoughts and prayers go out to my
family and loved ones living on the West Coast. I hope the recent events in
Japan will spur many to pull their heads out of their back-sides and get their
Emergency Action Plan in place before it will be needed. If you haven’t done so
yet, go to; https://www.ready.gov/are-you-ready-guide
and get started now.
Till next time
“Be Safe”
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