Japan earthquake shakes ground, survivors fear death

What would you feel if the ground suddenly moved under your feet? That is what happened to people in Japan during a powerful earthquake.

The earthquake was very strong. It measured 6.8 on the magnitude scale. This is not a small earthquake. Many buildings moved. People fell down. Some people got hurt. Everyone felt scared and confused.

Survivors describe terrible moments. "I thought I would die," one person said. Another person said the shaking did not stop. It felt like time moved slowly. People did not know what to do. Some people ran outside. Other people hid under tables. Families looked for each other. Parents held their children tight.

After the earthquake stopped, rescue teams came quickly. Rescue workers looked for people under buildings. They brought food and water to people. Doctors helped people who were hurt. Police stopped traffic to help rescue teams move fast.

The shocking part for many survivors is how suddenly everything changed. One moment, life was normal. The next moment, everything was dangerous and wrong. People lost their homes. Families lost things they loved. But survivors say they are thankful to be alive.

Now people ask important questions: How do we prepare for earthquakes? How do we help our neighbors? What can we learn from this?

Think about this: If a big earthquake happened near your home tomorrow, what would you do? Have you ever talked with your family about a safety plan? Sometimes, preparing before danger comes is the smartest thing we can do.

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.