The Greart Hanshin Earthquake

Just 17 years ago today, we were hit by a huge earthquake. Even It was smaller than the last year's North East Japan Earthquake, it was the hugest one that I've experienced in my life. Since our area was told not quake-prone, all but no one had braced for the incident.

A strong hit woke me up in the morning. I remember I saw the electric lamp just above me on the ceiling was swaying back and forth. I thought it might have fell on me. I looked at my wife and our just three months old son. He was sleeping. Whew, we were safe. The TV set had moved and the stereo speakers fell down on the floor. I went to check my room. My CDs and cassettes were scattered all over the floor. I really was surprised, but I didn't know how big the earthquake was then in other places in Osaka and Kobe.

I turned on the TV and gradually everything became clear. We ended up learned we had the greatest earthquake on record in our area. Our place was not that devastated. But very next city's situation was horrible. The train stations and many buildings were collapsed. Utilities, such as water and electricity were cut for more than two weeks. Roads were cut. Over 6000 people died.

One of my friends' parents died by the collapse of their house. Since she was only child, she became totally alone. Because of the depression and stress, her weight became more than twice. She had to change her carrier. The earthquake totally has changed her life.

Many work places were closed. The bars and restaurants closed. Many people lost their jobs. Many of my friends had to change their jobs and came back to their hometown.

The natural disaster changed many people's lives drastically.