Japan Earthquake - M8.9

Finally it's Friday and today supposed to be a day where by colleague was happy and preparing for her trip to Tokyo. However, bad news came when we heard that there was a strong earthquake in Japan. It hits Tohoku area and Tokyo felt strong quake too.

Initially, I thought it was like usual earthquake which Japan experienced quite frequently. However, when more reports came out from CNN news, it showed that this was a real bad quake. Sendai was hit badly. Tsunami at the coastal area caused bad damages at Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima prefectures. Sendai airport was flooded. Plots of land being covered with water and debris. Real scary.

My colleague was so worried and wondered if her flight tonight will be cancelled because Narita airport and Haneda airport are closed due to the Tsunami alert. There was no updates on whether her flight is affected hence a bit helpless. In addition, she is going with her parents and brother's family. It is really difficult to make a decision on whether to proceed if flight is not affected. Her parents may get worried of the situation there. Finally, she cancelled her flight and decided not to go. Poor her. She had spent time to look for clothing and got prepared for the trip. The quake happened just before her flight. Is it lucky or unlucky for her???

My another colleague is stuck in Tokyo hotel. Her flight supposed to be at 7pm but could not get to the airport due to highway closure. Narita aiport was closed too. Hence, she has to stay for another night while waiting for airline to contact her on the first available flight for her to take. She is so worried and wanting to get out of Japan immediately. She felt aftershocks and really do not wish to stay there. Last update is that SQ12 had landed in Haneda airport i/o Narita airport. Her original flight is SQ11 and she may take a flight back either from Narita or Haneda airport once plane can confirm fly out of Tokyo. Hope she will be safe & sound and be back in Singapore soon.

Praying for all who are affected by the quake to be safe.

Cars and airplanes swept by a tsunami are pictured among debris at Sendai Airport, northeastern Japan. A massive 8.9 magnitude quake hit northeast Japan on Friday, causing many injuries, fires and a ten-metre (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline.