japan Archives - Disasters News

Jul232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Fiber Optic Cables: The Future of Earthquake Detection

Submarine communication cables, like the intricate network branching off from Japan, illustrate our planet's interconnectedness. These cables, with their colorful lines connecting Japan’s islands to the rest of the world, are not only vital for data transmission but may also be key to detecting natural disasters. Innovative Use of Existing Infrastructure Dr. Tonegawa and his team highlight the potential of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, which could transform submarine cables into extensive seismic monitoring networks. DAS offers two major advantages over traditional seismic tools: Governments and companies globally have already laid about 1.4 million kilometers of submarine cables. Although DAS cannot be applied along the entire length of these cables, collaborat...

Jun62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Japan’s Obayashi Corporation Aims for 2050 Completion of Space Elevator to Revolutionize Space Travel

Breaking News, Space, Thoughts & Talks

Imagine a long tether linking Earth to space, launching us to orbit at a fraction of the cost and slingshotting us to other worlds at record speed. That's the basic idea behind a space elevator. Instead of taking six to eight months to reach Mars, scientists have estimated a space elevator could get us there in three to four months or even as quickly as 40 days. The concept isn't new, but engineering such a structure is a monumental challenge, and many issues beyond technology stand in the way. Japan's Ambitious Plan The Japan-based Obayashi Corporation, known for constructing the world's tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree, announced in 2012 its goal to build a space elevator. The company projected that construction on the $100-billion project would begin by 2025, with operations st...

May302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Japan Unveils World’s First Wooden Satellite to Launch on SpaceX Rocket

Breaking News, Environment, Space

Kyoto: In a groundbreaking achievement, Japanese researchers have developed the world's first wooden satellite. The innovative cuboid craft, designed by scientists at Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, is scheduled to be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket in September. Measuring just 10 centimeters (four inches) per side, the experimental satellite, named LignoSat, aims to test the feasibility of using wood as a primary material in space technology. This initiative is driven by environmental concerns, as the wooden satellite is expected to burn up entirely upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, thereby eliminating the risk of creating harmful metal particles that could affect the environment and telecommunications. Key Features and Launch Details The satellit...

Apr22024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Second 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan’s Hokkaido in Over a Month

Breaking News, Disasters

Japan's Hokkaido region was struck by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, marking the second occurrence of a quake of similar intensity in just over a month. The seismic event occurred at 6:18 pm local time (0918 GMT) at a depth of 20 kilometers (12 miles), as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. While a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale typically poses a risk of damage in densely populated areas, Japanese media outlets have not yet reported any casualties or significant destruction. As of now, no tsunami warning has been issued following the quake. This recent earthquake follows a similar event that shook Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on February 25, further highlighting the region's vulnerability to seismic activity. Earlier this month, Japan faced another s...

Jan102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Second Earthquake Strikes Japan Within a Week: Magnitude 6.0 Tremor Adds to Nation’s Woes

Breaking News, Disasters

Japan experienced another earthquake on Tuesday, registering a magnitude of 6.0. The recent quake comes just over a week after the country's deadliest quake in nearly eight years, which occurred on January 1, with a magnitude of 7.6. The January 1 earthquake resulted in significant damage to properties, loss of lives, and triggered tsunami waves on the west coast. The death toll from the earlier earthquake has now exceeded 100, with over 200 people still missing. The recent magnitude 6.0 quake caused strong shaking, though no tsunami warning has been issued by authorities so far. The series of earthquakes has left thousands of homes without power and displaced tens of thousands, with ongoing rescue and relief efforts. The situation remains challenging as the country copes with the af...

Jan82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tokyo Runway Collision: A Tragedy and Lession Learned

Breaking News, Disasters, Thoughts & Talks

On January 2nd, 2024, a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 carrying 379 people collided with a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. While miraculously all passengers and crew on the JAL flight survived, five of the six crew members on the Coast Guard plane tragically perished. The accident sent shockwaves through Japan and the aviation industry, prompting a thorough investigation and renewed focus on runway safety. The Incident: The JAL flight was approaching Haneda for landing when it collided with the Coast Guard turboprop aircraft on the runway. The smaller plane burst into flames, while the JAL aircraft skidded down the tarmac, sustaining significant damage. Thankfully, a swift and coordinated emergency response ensured the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew fr...

Jan42024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Japan Earthquake Updates: Death Toll rises to 62 as Rescuers Race Against Time

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The Japan Earthquake death toll rising day by day from a series of powerful earthquakes in Japan, including a magnitude 7.5 quake, it has risen to 62, according to NHK World, citing officials from the hard-hit Ishikawa prefecture. Most fatalities have been confirmed in Wajima and Suzu on the Noto Peninsula. Over 20 people are reported to be seriously injured, with rescuers facing the challenge of confirming the number of people still missing. Many individuals are feared trapped under collapsed houses. The earthquakes struck the Noto Peninsula in the central Ishikawa prefecture on Monday, causing buildings to collapse and triggering tsunami warnings as far away as eastern Russia. According to the country's meteorological office, a total of 155 earthquakes were reported on that day ...

Jan22024 by Editor Desk2 Comments

Japan Earthquake Tsunami Updates: All Warnings for Tsunami has been Lifted

Breaking News, Disasters

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Live updates: Japan meteorological official said that the small changes to tidal levels are still possible. So, the country lifted all tsunami warnings and advisories put in place after a major quake on New Year's Day. A day after Japan was struck by a powerful earthquake of 7.6 magnitude, in the middle of the afternoon on Monday. The country lifted all tsunami warnings and advisories put in place after a major quake on New Year's Day, a meteorological agency official told. The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck in the middle of the afternoon on Monday, prompting residents in some coastal areas to flee to higher ground as tsunami waves about 1 metre (3.3 ft) hit Japan's western seaboard. Japan meteorological official said that the small c...

Jan12024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Japan hit by series of big earthquakes, with 7.6 Mag, tsunami warning issued in Russia, Korea

Breaking News, Disasters

Japan was hit by several big earthquakes with Noto in Ishigawa prefecture experiencing a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, the highest, and seeing five-foot tsunami waves along the coast. Bullet train services were suspended, and communication services and power supplies were disrupted in the affected areas. The earthquake triggering tsunami waves as high as five foot, and prompting authorities has issued the tsunami warnings and evacuation advisories for people on the country's northwestern coast, local media reported. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake hit Ishikawa and nearby prefectures, with one of them having a preliminary magnitude of 7.6. According to the local weather agencies, tsunami waves were predicted within 300 kilometres of the epicentre in Noto in...