Richard Gordon: What happened to Japan's early warning systems? - Asia, World - The Independent

It can come as no comfort to the people of Japan as they count the cost in lives, property and damage to the country's environment to consider that the massive earthquake was never a matter of "if" but always a matter of "when".

Located at the meeting point of three major tectonic plates, Japan is recognised as one of the most seismically active areas of the world. This particular earthquake ripped along a 500km segment between the Eurasian and Pacific plates causing massive tremors, numerous after-shocks and a 30ft tsunami wave.

Richard Gordon: What happened to Japan's early warning systems? - Asia, World - The Independent