Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes each year, but most are so mild that you can't feel them.
But earlier this month a earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck the south of the country, causing residents who had stolen furniture and windows to suddenly start shaking. No casualties or serious damage were reported, but the quake caused the country's first ever 'mega-quake' and left locals worried that a much more serious incident was brewing.
According to APthere is a 70-80 percent chance of a magnitude eight or nine eight associated with the Nankai Trough – an undersea trench – within the next 30 years. The likelihood of this is now 'higher than normal' after the last earthquake.
However, the Japan Meteorolological Agency (JMA) says the warning “does not indicate that a mega-earthquake will occur.” Still, locals are bracing for the worst.
Mexican influencer Zuleiza, who currently lives in Japan, went viral after she responded to the warning and explained what was in her emergency kit that she can grab in a potentially life-threatening situation.
In a video that has already been viewed an impressive three million times and liked 306,000 times, the content creator starts by packing medicines and personal hygiene products such as sanitary towels and wet wipes.
She then adds important documents, including her passport and visa papers. “I'm going to pack light clothes, I don't know if it's wise to pack my laptop,” she said. “They also told me to pack water and canned food.”
What should be in an earthquake emergency kit?
There are no hard and fast rules for what to pack in an earthquake emergency kit, but officials warn that most people don’t bring enough water. Remember, most people drink about a gallon a day.
The government of British Columbia, Canada, has compiled a list of the most important items that it considers essential during a tremor. It also recommends that you bring a bag that you can easily carry with you to your home, work, and car. This bag should include:
- Small first aid kit and personal medications
- Personal toiletries and items such as extra 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 marked
- Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
- Pen and notepad
- Whistle
- Food (ready to eat) and water
- Phone charger and battery bank
- Small battery or hand powered radio
- Battery or hand powered flashlight
- Extra batteries