Japan

North Korea Rocket Launch Fails
By Chris Williamson
April 13, 2012 - 12:46pm
Controversial missile launch that North Korea says was designed to carry an observation satellite into orbit, breaks after launch.

North Korea launched it's highly controversial rocket launch that took off early this morning. However, the rocket broke into two parts, dropping into the sea, just two minutes after the launch according to CNN.

U.S. Coast Guard Sinks Ghost Ship
By Julianne Michel...
April 6, 2012 - 12:10pm
Japanese vessel has been drifting since last year’s tsunami

Over a year ago in March of 2011, the deadly tsunami that struck Japan sent a vessel drifting into the Pacific Ocean.  The U.S. Coast Guard sunk the 164-foot ghost ship on Thursday.

According to ABC News, it took two bouts of open fire to sink Ryou-Un Maru. 

Japan disaster costliest ever
By Mary S. Wilson
March 23, 2011 - 5:51pm
Earthquake, subsequent tsunami more expensive than Katrina.

According to the Associated Press, the total cost of Japan's earthquake and tsunami is somewhere between $200 and $300 billion. The exact cost is not known yet but it will be the most costly disaster ever. This is due to the extensive damage to roads, houses, business and utilities across seven prefectures.

Previously, the title went to the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, which cost $125 billion to New Orleans region.

Radiation in water putting infants in Tokyo, surrounding area at risk
By Zachary John Pr...
March 23, 2011 - 3:56pm
Amount of radioactive iodine detected in capital's water supply more than twice the recommended limit for infants.

Radioactive iodine detected in Tokyo's water supply has alarmed the city's water department to hold a televised news conference, warning citizens that the tap water is unsafe for infants. According to The New York Times, the news conference was held today by Ei Yoshida, head of water purification for the Tokyo water department.

Top tennis players to raise money for Japan with soccer match
By Valeria Aponte
March 22, 2011 - 7:52pm
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic will team up with other players for charity soccer match.

The Association of Tennis Professional World Tour No. 1 Singles Player Rafael Nadal will team up with the No. 2 Singles Player Novak Djokovic on Wednesday to play a soccer game as part of a fund-raising event to benefit relief efforts in Japan, according to ESPN. Andy Murray and David Ferrer are amongst the tennis stars that will join Nadal and Djokovic and play against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, a professional soccer team.

U.S. official: Nuclear crisis in Japan may be stabilizing
By Courtney Volk
March 21, 2011 - 1:39pm
Japanese workers making progress.

ABC News reports that the nuclear crisis in Japan may soon be stabilizing. A top U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission official said today that the crisis is "on the verge of stabilizing" despite Japanese workers being being forced to stop their relief efforts temporarily after smoke came billowing out of two reactors.

Skaneateles high school student experiences Japan's earthquake
By Christopher Luther
March 11, 2011 - 4:57pm
Senior Chelsea McElligatt calls home after the quake.

It was 2:30 a.m. in Skaneateles when Dorothy and Frank Duester received a call from their granddaughter, Chelsea McElligatt, according to The Post-Standard. It was 4:30 p.m. in Toyama, Japan when McElligatt experienced the moment of a lifetime -- an 8.9 earthquake that tore apart Japan. 

McElligatt is studying abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. This is the fourth earthquake she experienced since traveling to Japan in August.

Devastating earthquake hits Japan
By Hyo Jeong Cho
March 11, 2011 - 4:18pm
Damage results in hundreds of casualties.

A tsunami followed by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake on the coast of Japan has devastated the cities in the northern part of the country today, according to The New York Times. It is likely to reach the West Coast of the United States and South America. 

The number of casualties has exceeded 200 in Sendai, the closest city to the epicenter, according to Japanese officials. The number is anticipated to increase. 

Japan's tsunami spares Hawaii
By Caleb Mason Lamb
March 11, 2011 - 3:15pm
Tsunami warning for Hawaii downgraded to advisory, little damage reported.

The tsunami caused in the aftermath of a giant earthquake that hit Japan did minimal damage to several islands in Hawaii, according to CNN. Waves of six to seven feet were reported on Maui, Hawaii's "big island," but little to no damage has been reported so far.

Crews in Japan having trouble cooling down nuclear reactors
By Catherine A Schur
March 11, 2011 - 2:30pm
Japanese official evacuate residents near nuclear site.

Japanese officials told residents living near nuclear plants to evacuate their homes Friday morning, according to CNN. Officials say there has not been a leak reported yet but admit they are having trouble cooling one of the nuclear facilities.