Magnitude 6.1 earthquake with tsunami warning rattles Japan – all CMAT and IMAT Team members reported safe.

Sunday, March 27, 2011 – A magnitude-6.1 earthquake shook eastern Japan off the quake-ravaged coast on Monday morning, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a tsunami of up to 1.6 feet (a half meter) may wash into Miyagi Prefecture. The tsunami alert was localized to Japan. The alert was prompted by a quake that the U.S. Geological Survey measured at 7:23 a.m. Monday Japan time near the east coast of Honshu. The USGS said the quake was 3.7 miles (5.9 kilometres) deep.

CMAT and IMAT team members have been working in the region, providing medical aid, and assistance to the Japanese military with search and recovery efforts after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami ravaged the area on March 11. All team members are reported safe, and were at camp at the time of the earthquake. “The tsunami sirens are going off around base camp, and they have predicted one. Everyone is safe, as our camp is on high ground at the university in Ishinomaki,” said CMAT Team Leader Dave Johnson by phone.

CMAT and IMAT continue to provide assistance in the region, and anticipate imminent deployment of the Nomad water purification unit, recently purchased through generous donations.

“We are planning delivery (of the unit) this evening, and set up tomorrow morning,” said Martin Metz, CMAT paramedic. “There is a remote fishing village of about 1000 people, who believe it will take some time to repair their destroyed filtration and distribution system. The local rescue coordinator are very happy about the prospect,”

CMAT continues to appeal for donations to assist with the ongoing operational expenses of the team in Japan.

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USGS Event Report: Magnitude 6.1 – Japan

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