SN: Japanese inventor builds modern-day ark in anticipation of another tsunami

[mfcorey1]

It's not quite a yellow submarine, since it's destined for travel on top of the water, not under it.

But the round yellow pod, christened "Noah" for the maker of the ark, could mean the difference between life and death in the case of another killer earthquake and tsunami like the one that hit Japan seven months ago, said its inventor, Shoji Tanaka.

"Noah" is about 1.2 meters -- or four feet -- in diameter, with one hatch, one glass window and two holes for drainage and ventilation. It's made out of fiber reinforced plastic, which Tanaka said is lighter but also stronger than steel.

The company said it already has orders for 700 of the four-seater pods, mainly from families, waterfront businesses and fishermen. Read the full story.

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/11/8266478-japanese-inventor-builds-modern-day-ark-in-anticipation-of-another-tsunami?gt1=43001

[GreenStormCloud]

1. Interesting, but it needs some survival gear.

It needs a two-way radio at a minimum. And I can easily think of some other stuff that would be critical.

[TheWraith]

2. Water. Food. Padding.

And even so this strikes me as a little silly. Even in the event that there is another massive tsunami, after what was described as a once in a thousand years event, what are the odds you'll be able to get to this thing in time?

[Dover]

3. brilliant!!!

Too bad it's probably too expensive for many people. I like that they work for both earthquakes too.

I'm just thinking about how bizarre it would look to have thousands of these capsules floating in the ocean after a tsunami
knowing there are people inside each one. Lots of places where these would come in handy for both flooding and earthquakes.

[Uben]

4. Judging by what I saw.....

..it's more likely to be crushed amid the debris than be swept out to sea. But, a "chance" is better than no chance to survive.
I just could not bring myself to ever live on an ocean front. Personal preference.

[AsahinaKimi]

5. I had photos of this a while back..

A Cosmo Power Co. employee crawls out from the spherical earthquake and tsunami shelter "Noah," which is made of fiber enforced plastic, at the company's factory in Hiratsuka, west of Tokyo, Friday, Sept. 30, 2011. The Japanese generator maker has developed a modern version of Noah's Ark in case Japan is hit by another massive earthquake and tsunami. The company of just 10 employees completed the first Noah, that is 1.2 meters in diameter and can hold up to four adults inside, earlier this month and already has 500 orders. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2043327

[Dover]

6. Thanks for the added info. Must have missed your post.

I think these are an elegant and practical solution. Just hope the price comes down so more people
can own them.