In this episode, host Brian Gallagher talks with Luc Gougeon and Robert Remmerswaal as they share their personal experiences during and after the seismic events that shook Kumamoto in July of this year.
On July 26, a significant earthquake rocked Kumamoto, registering a magnitude of 7. While Luc’s home emerged unscathed, just a hundred metres away, neighbours faced extensive damage to their kitchens.
Robert shared how fortunate he was to have left work just before the earthquake struck. He reflected on the potential disaster he narrowly avoided: “If I was lucky, I would have stood up and moved towards the door… I would have been knocked unconscious by my bookshelf.” Luc and Robert describe the eerie quiet that followed the earthquake, punctuated by frequent aftershocks that lasted for two weeks. Luc mentions the unusual sight at a local Costco, where a crater had formed in the parking lot, a stark reminder of the earthquake’s force. The conversation turns to the devastating explosion at the AEON Mall, which occurred shortly after the earthquake. The resilience of the Kumamoto community shines through these stories of survival and recovery. As they navigate the aftermath of these disasters, their shared experiences remind us of the importance of preparedness and community support.
We also discuss the conference events of the year so far and coming up, as well as recent research on AI use in Chinese high schools and their effects on student learning.
Enjoy the show.