Thank god they are used to frequent earth quakes and tsunamis. Buildings are constructed accordingly and early warning systems warn the population in case of giant waves, school children are taught how to behave, etc. so that casualties are reduced. My thoughts and feelings are with the Japanese after this catastrophe.

Our condolence to the families of those who died and a quick recovery to those who got injured. I'm sure our government will send any form of aid within our strength to give if needed.

headed by a retired judge, if we have an earthquake?

Just let us know what you need, help is on the way. We'll all be praying for you.

Condolences are extended to the families who lost loved ones in the earthquake.

Japan - release the Israeli prisoners from your cruel jail NOW!

Devastating and sad news. We are helpless when faced with natural disasters, let's hope for minimal loss of lives, and for quick recovery. Israel is ready to help in every way possible.

you must admit it's impressive how swift and thorough committees are formed, investigations are conducted, and blame assigned after preventable disasters have occurred. however actually doing anything to, oh say, be proactive and PREVENT or PREPARE FOR such disasters is like watching a turtle grow old.

Lila, you have a sick mind. Get your priorities right.The world is offering help and sympathy to Japan, a friend of Israel, and you're calling for the release of israeli prisoners. Shame on you. If there are Israeli prisoners in Japanese jails, they'er there for a reason and it's not because they are "good boys".

Retarded.

in these trying moments for them. Codolences to the families of the disappeared, rapid recovery to those hurt in the quake and quick re-building of the destroyed property and infrastructure. I am certain they are brave and resourceful enough to fulfill all these. We the Israelis would be honoured to help you in any way you need us to.

the international community will come to help, at least I am confident Israel will send a team, as it has to nearly every major disaster worldwide.

although i have to say if there is one country that can take a kick in the face from an earthquake and come back up swinging, its japan.

Can cause serious damage in areas several hundred miles across with frequency of 1 per year but not Devastating as 9 Richter scale which occurs every 20 years. Considering that Japan hasn't seen such magnitude quake since 100 year, it is not suitable to use the supermarket degree of 8.9 to define it.

first and most capable to send aid to rescue people. We will never know why Hashem allows these tragedies to occur but we must deal with them.

Mind telling me what you think the difference between an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale and one measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale might be? I'm willing to bet that were you in an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, you probably would not be so quick to discount it.

Tsunamis can be predicted but, alas and alack, there isn't usually a warning prior to an earthquake. There are no hard and fast rules -- sometimes there is increased seismic activity; sometimes not. Sometimes there are little tremors that grow increasingly intense and then culminate in a huge quake; sometimes not. Most of the time, earthquakes just happen. You don't even have the luxury of being able to accurately predict the intensity of the aftershock(s). Some are tiny rumbles; some are as severe as an earthquake. How do you propose to prevent an earthquake? Fire off a nuke underground in the hopes that it will relieve the pressures developing in the earth's crust? Might work .... or it might not. You are both being very silly.

In one of the many shots of the damage in Japan, I noticed an old temple that had collapsed. While the building did collapse the parts that it is made from did not break. Film showed that the building was made of heavy carved stone blocks, piled on on the other. Ancient Japanese surely understood how to build in their area of the world. Remember their wood and rice paper homes? So easy to reconstruct after a quake. Modern societies can be so dangerous. They think that they are not connected to nature at all. Then are surprised when nature takes it's toll.