Major Earthquake Hits Iran Today

An intensity 7.8 in the Richter Scale hit Southeastern Iran today around 3 in the afternoon, Dubai local time. So far, 40 have been reported dead but is still not confirmed. The epicenter of the quake near  Khash was strong enough that it was felt in India, Pakistan, nearby Gulf regions including the Middle East.

Iran was also the center of the news last week with a weaker magnitude of 6.3 eartquake to hit the country leaving 37 dead and 850 wounded.

We felt the strong earthquake in Dubai as well. Throngs of people were asked to leave their buildings in anticipation of stronger aftershocks. My office is in the 8th floor and my colleagues and I felt it so bad that I took cover under my table and waited for the big bosses to direct us to leave the building in an orderly fashion.

I am not sure how long the quake lasted but it felt so long. We felt giddy and a bit disoriented. None was hurt in the evacuation in our area. I just pray that there won't be any harsh aftershock to ensue. God help us all.

Japan's Quake Aftermath

As of this time, we still don't know the full extent of the off-shore quake that hit Japan today in the afternoon, local time.

We are keeping tab of the events as they unfold on TV and crossing our fingers and praying so hard that family and friends and everyone in Japan right now will be all right.

The tsunami swept through the northern part of Japan which is mostly an agricultural and fishing sector of the country. The quake hit around afternoon on a work day. That meant, farmers were on tending their fields and fishermen were on shore for a catch. The area is densely populated but there will be casualties involved if you have seen the raw footages in CNN and other news agencies.

If I lived there, I would let go of everything material, the house, the car, the things I have worked hard for to live. If I survive a calamity as serious as that, I won't even worry about any motorhome repair, dirty house, ruined vehicles and lost valuables. What is most important now is the right to survive.

My prayers go out to every Japanese people. May this trying times bring all of us together in faith.