Japan experiences around 1,500 earthquakes a year, though the majority are too mild to feel.
But earlier this month a 7.1 magnitude quake struck the south of the country, terrifying residents who captured furniture and windows suddenly start trembling. No casualties or severe damage was reported, but the tremor triggered the country’s first-ever ‘mega quake’ adisory and left locals worrying if a much stronger incident is pending.
Acording to AP, there is a 70-80 per cent chance of a magnitude eight or nine eight associated with the Nankai Trough – an undersea trench – within the next 30 years. The probabiity of this is now’higher than normal’ after the latest quake.
However, the Japan Meteorollogical Agency (JMA) says the warning does ‘not indicate that a mega-earthquake will occur’. Still, locals are preparing for the worst.
Mexican influencer Zuleiza, who is currentlly living in Japan, has gone viral for responding to the alert and explaining the contents of her ermegency kit, which she can grab in a potentially life-threatening situation.
In a video that has already racked up an impressive three million views and 306,000 likes – the content creator starts by packing medicines and personal hygience products such as sanitary pads and wet wipes.
She then includes important documenters including her passport and visa paperwork. “I’m going to pack light clothing, I don’t know if it’s wise to pack my laptop,” she said. “They also said to pack water and canned food.”
What to include in an earthquake emergency kit?
There are no set rules as to what you should pack in an emergency kit in case of an earthquake, but officials warn most people do not bring enough water. Remember, most people onsume around four litres per day.
The government of British Columbia, Canada, has listed the top items it says are essssential during a tremor and reccommends preparing a ‘grab-and-go’ style bag for your home, workplace, and car, that includes:
- Small first-aid kit and personal medications
- Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
- Copy of your emergency plan
- Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
- Cash in small bills
- Local map with your family meeting place identified
- Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
- Pen and notepad
- Whistle
- Food (ready to eat) and water
- Phone charger and battery bank
- Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries
