A few hours ago Japan was in the center of an 8.9 earthquake which triggered a tsunami with waves of over 20ft. tall. The waves are traveling out towards the US affecting Hawaii, Alaska, and various locations on the west coast just to name a few. The waves however are much lower by the time they reach the US, but affects are now being felt and the water will rise. Authorities are already in prep for possible events so if you're in one of the areas in the west or know someone who is, don't panic. Stay awake, stay alert, stay informed.
I'm listing links below with more information. (Please note that with the current heavy online traffic these links may not resolve right away. If so, please be patient and try again.) If you or any friends and family of yours are in any of the affected areas, we wish them the best.
Here in Chicago the Japanese Consulate is providing communication aid for those concerned of love ones still in Japan. Their
general number is (312) 280-0430 and (312) 280-0400. This is
not the emergency number, only the general number. I've been waiting for the news to repeat the emergecy number, as of now they have yet to do so.
Below I am including a link for disaster preparedness in Japan. Although the early prep part won't really apply right now, it does have other information of what to do during the event to stay safe and who to contact. If you know someone in Japan who is confused of what to do or plan on going to Japan in the future, I would suggest taking a look.
To everyone, be safe, don't panic, and take care.
UPDATE:
They have repeated the number for the Chicago Japanese Consulate
(312) 280-0400 and (800) 776-3877
These phone lines may be busy so be prepared for a patient wait.
News:
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110311/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_earthquakehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_re_us/us_japan_earthquake_pacificVideo:
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/video-of-the-earthquake-and-tsunami-in-japan/?no_interstitial#television-networks-show-images-of-destructionDisaster Prep:
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7111.html
