Doctor Avi Shapira, the chairman of the international steering committee for the preparation of earthquakes, has warned that Israel could face a humanitarian disaster on the scale of the one experienced in Haiti following the earthquake there. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians lost their lives when the temblor struck on the 13th of January, and many more remained trapped inside collapsed buildings, which included schools, hospitals and even the presidential palace was not spared. Thankfully there have been many miraculous stories of survival, of how children were rescued from the rubble many days after all hope of finding anyone alive should have gone. And a friend's granddaughter in my assembly, who is a missionary nurse to Haiti, told of how the missionary home that she worked in was completely untouched by the earthquake. Seismologists have stated that Israel is long overdue a major earthquake, and people like Doctor Shapira have warned that many of the buildings in the old city of Jerusalem could be completely destroyed should that happen any time soon. Major earthquakes have occurred along the Jordan rift valley roughly every 400 years, but the last one to hit the region was recorded way back in 1033AD, leaving some wondering whether the big one could be imminent.

Quote:  "Yaakov Bar-Lavi from the Survey of Israel center said that out of 650,000 structures in the country, there are 96,000 residential buildings which are in great danger of collapsing in case of a massive earthquake.

Another interesting statement made during the discussion was the issue of identifying the remains of those caught up in the disaster. Following the earthquake the Haitian government ordered the mass burial of the dead in order to prevent the spread of disease through the many dead bodies which were being piled up along the roadsides. Ironically it was the Haitian voodoo priests (Haiti is the voodoo capital of the world) who complained about this, insisting that everyone should have a dignified burial. But halachic law in Israel also prohibits mass burials, and the country would find itself unable to cope in dealing with the aftermath of such a disaster. Government ministers have called for body identification reserves to be made available in the event that a similar situation occurs in the Middle East. 

Quote: "Another topic which was raised during the discussion was the problem of identifying bodies. A ZAKA representative who recently returned from Haiti noted that Israel has no solution for the problem, which is mainly a halachic one seeing as it does not allow mass grave burials. Committee chairman MK David Azoulay (Shas) called at the end of the session to qualify body identification reserves for a mass disaster case such as the one in Haiti.

The Bible does indeed describe a similar incident, which will require people to travel throughout the land of Israel, identifying bodies and burying the dead. I am not sure if halachic law prohibits mass burials for non-Jews. But in any case, following the Gog-Magog war as mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39, it will take Israel seven months to identify and bury the dead.

Ezekiel 39:14
And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search. And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamongog. 

The book of Revelation also indicates that during the tribulation period, Israel and indeed the entire world, will experience catastrophic earthquakes which will devastate the planet. As I have said before, the earthquakes mentioned in Biblical prophecy are the only ones that will ever occur of which we know their death toll in advance. The Bible states that during the end time, several earthquakes will hit the Jordan valley, drastically changing the topography and claiming thousands of lives. Ironically, Bar-Lavi's estimate that around 7% of the buildings constructed in Israel will not survive an earthquake, is quite accurate. Revelation 11:13 states that 10% of the houses in Jerusalem will be destroyed, killing some 7000 people. Other great earthquakes are also to occur, one so great that it will destroy every major city in the entire world.

Revelation 16:18-20
And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

Some people say that earthquakes are 'acts of God', in the sense that they cannot be predicted and happen for no particular reason. They say the people of Haiti were unlucky and they just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Others say God was angry with the Haitians for their voodoo practices, and He sent the earthquake to punish them for their sins. Concerning the judgement of this world, the Scriptures definitely indicate that God is the originator of at least some earthquakes (Isaiah 2:19). There were also earthquakes at significant times during the life of Christ, at His crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) and at His resurrection (Matthew 28:2). I wouldn't say that God specifically sent the Haitian earthquake, or the Asian Tsunami in 2004, but I would say that the wicked make their own judgement. Sinners may look at the earthquake as a judgement from God, as in the earthquake of Revelation 6:12-17, whereas believers will see it as a test of their faith. True believers will always experience God's hand of protection amid these trials, as we have witnessed in Haiti, and as described in the earthquake of Zechariah 14:4-5.

As you can see, even nature itself witnesses that the return of Christ is imminent. Not only does the Bible mention these killer earthquakes that are to come during the last days, but unbelieving scientists are actively preparing for their arrival. Will your heart fail you for looking on those things coming on the earth (Luke 21:26)? Or will your heart be safely trusting in your Creator and Saviour, the one who loves you and gave Himself for you? Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

Source YNet News, On Deadline

Quote: ""Our data indicate that two major earthquakes have struck Alaska in the last 1,500 years and our findings show that a bigger earthquake and a more destructive tsunami than the 1964 event are possible in the future," Ian Shennan, a professor of geography at Britain's Durham University, who led the study, said in a statement. "The region has been hit by large, single-event earthquakes and tsunamis before, and our evidence indicates that multiple and more extensive ruptures can happen."

It's hard to believe that it's been nearly five years since the Asian Tsunami hit on December 26th, 2004. The earthquake which triggered that tsunami was one of the largest that has ever been recorded, measuring around 9.3 on the Richter Scale. The earthquake lasted for around 10 minutes, and tore a gash in the earth's surface over 900 miles in length. The Andaman islands shifted several feet as the Indian plate slipped fifty feet beneath the Burmese plate. The seabed was raised by several metres, displacing around 7 cubic miles of seawater and triggering tsunami waves which moved at around 500 miles per hour, devastating the coastlines of around a dozen countries. The energy released by the earthquake caused the planet to wobble on its axis by several inches. And in one day, over 230,000 people lost their lives.

As devastating as it all sounds, the Bible tells us about a coming day in which the Lord will rise to "shake terribly the earth", Isaiah 2:19-21. The prophecy of Isaiah speaks of a time in which the earth will be utterly broken down, and will "reel to and fro like a drunkard", Isaiah 24:19-20. The book of Revelation tells us about a day in which every island will flee away and the mountains will not be found. This great earthquake, which is described as being the greatest to occur since man was created, will cause the cities of the nations to fall (Revelation 16:18:20). The Bible says that men will recognize this earthquake as a sign of their impending judgement, and will cry out for the mountains and rocks to fall on them, and to hide them from the face of Him who sits on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:14-17). But they will not be hidden.

This warning is given to us in the Scriptures. Not so our scientists can build better earthquake-proof buildings. Nor is it designed to convince mankind to make peace on earth and to live more moral lives. The warning is given to cause sinners to flee to the only refuge that can withstand the coming storm. There is only one way to be hidden from the wrath of God, and that is to find shelter under the one who has already borne God's judgement for our sins. We need to be hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3). He bore the punishment for our sins when He gave His life upon the cross. And if we have believed on Him for salvation, we will be preserved from the wrath to come. Have your sins been forgiven? Have you trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).

Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Source Reuters

An earthquake measuring around 5.3 on the Richer Scale struck southern Lebanon yesterday, and was felt across Israel and Syria. It followed a smaller earthquake which hit the region last week, measuring around 4 on the Richter Scale. Yesterday's earthquake came just two days after the Iranian ambassador to Syria had threatened Israel with an "earthquake" that would "shake the Zionist regime", in response to the killing of the arch-terrorist Mugniyah.

Quote: "Iranian ambassador to Syria, Ahmad Moussavi, warned Wednesday that "the death of (Hizbullah leader) Imad Mugniyah will lead to an earthquake in the Zionist regime," the Islamic Republic News Agency reported. He added that "this despicable crime will increase the Zionists' disasters and strengthen the courage of those who will hit the Zionist regime."

The Iranian ambassador praised Mugniyah as a "great commander who had become a shahid by the Zionist criminals". He was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and Israeli civilians. AFP reported that yesterday's earthquake interrupted Friday prayers for Muslims in Judea and Samaria. The Islamic Waqf have also issued a statement blaming Israel for damage caused to the Temple Mount during yesterday's earthquake, saying that Israeli excavations have undermined the stability of the Al-Aqsa mosque, and have urged Islamic states to take action against Israel.

Quote: "The officials, who also said the quake caused cracks in several local residential buildings, said the hole was a meter deep, two meters long and meter and a half wide. The Islamic Movement blamed Israel for the hole, saying Israel is digging tunnels in the area that undermine the stability in the area of the Al-Aqsa mosque. The organization urged Islamic states to take action to stop Israeli excavations in the area.

In reality, the excavation work that was being undertaken by Israel is nowhere near the Temple Mount. The most recent dig that has been carried out on the Temple Mount was actually carried out by the Waqf themselves, and was bitterly protested by observant Jews at the time. The Islamic Waqf used a mechanical digger to create a trench one metre deep and four hundred metres long to lay new pipes and electric cabling for the mosques on the Temple Mount. During the process they damaged artefacts that dated back the Second Temple era, including a seven metre wall belonging to buildings of the Temple courts. A panel of experts have stated that the region is overdue for a major earthquake, and that Israel is not prepared to deal with the aftermath of such an event. Seismologists expect that the 'big one' could occur around 2011.

Quote: "During the Knesset discussion on earthquake precautions held in January, a representative of Israel's fire department said that in the case of a serious earthquake, only 29 firefighters would be available in Jerusalem to handle a situation in which, according to forecasts, hundreds of houses will collapse and thousands will be killed. A 2005 forecast maintains that if an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale were to hit Beit She'an, 16,000 people would be killed, 90,000 people would be hurt and 400,000 would become homeless. 130,000 buildings will collapse or suffer extensive damage.

The Bible prophesies that such an event will take place during the tribulation period.

Revelation 11:13
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Why do men give glory to God in the midst of such terrible suffering? Perhaps because they will know that this event was foretold by God in the Scriptures, and that He is still in complete control of world events, despite the chaos going on all around them. But not all will respond in the same way. During the tribulation period, there will be many that will blaspheme God because of these plagues, and they will not repent of their evil deeds nor give Him glory (Revelation 16:9). And that's sad, for the Bible states that God desires not the death of wicked (Ezekiel 33:1). The Bible also says that the Lord is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2nd Peter 3:9). That includes you. Jesus Christ said, if we die in our sins, where He is we cannot come (John 8:21). Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross for you, so that your sins might be forgiven, and that you might be with Him forever. Repent to God of your sins, and believe that Jesus Christ has taken the punishment you deserved, and you are forgiven.

Romans 4:5
But to him that worketh not (the person who does not rely on good works for salvation), but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly (but puts his faith in Jesus Christ for justification from sins), his faith is counted for righteousness (he is completely forgiven in the eyes of God).

Source YNet News, Haaretz

Two earthquakes struck Israel this morning, measuring around 3 and 4.2 on the Richter Scale. There were no reports of damage or casualties, but the shaking lasted for around 10 seconds and was felt across the entire country. 

Quote: "Rami Hopshteter, manager of the GII [Geophysical Institute of Israel], explained that "this was a moderate earthquake, but was strong enough to be felt in many areas across the country. We received reports that the quake was felt in Haifa, Ashkelon, and of course Jerusalem, which is close to the quake's origin. We are certain that our Jordanian neighbors also felt it. "The quake is not surprising," he added, "As there is a lot of activity in the Dead Sea area... However, it is impossible to draw any clear conclusions about the future. The State of Israel has been preparing for an earthquake since 1999, but more can be done to improve out preparedness."

Recent earthquake activity in Israel has heightened fears that a major earthquake may strike the country in the not too distant future. Tel Aviv University geologist Dr Shmuel Marco has been studying Israel's geology, history and archaeology in an effort to construct an earthquake activity timeline for the region. Through his studies Dr Marco hopes to be able to deduct when the next major earthquake will occur. According to his research Dr Marco believes a major earthquake is long overdue and could strike at any time.

Quote: "With the aid of these documents, Marco has helped determine that a series of devastating earthquakes hit Israel in the past two thousand years. The major ones were recorded in the Jordan Valley in the years 31 BC, 363 AD, 749 AD and 1033 AD, "so roughly," says Marco, "we are talking about an interval of every 400 years. If we follow the patterns of nature, a major quake should be expected any time because almost a whole millennium has passed since the last strong earthquake."

Earthquake activity has often accompanied the fulfilment of prophetic events in the Scriptures. Earthquakes occurred during the crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:2). Again, major earthquakes are prophesied to occur during the tribulation period (Revelation 6:12, 11:3, 16:18), and will mark Christ's return to earth (Zechariah 14:5). And it seems this final earthquake that will hit the Holy Land will be a big one, for it is prophesied to rip the Mount of Olives in two, providing a means of escape for the Jewish people to flee from the onslaught of the Antichrist. Today's earthquakes came after it was announced that the Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams had finally agreed upon a joint statement that will be presented at the upcoming international peace conference in Annapolis, Maryland. The earthquakes also came as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was in Egypt, expressing his desires that a final peace agreement should be implemented by 2008.

Quote: ""We won't sit down and solve all the problems at once, after 60 years," Olmert told his host. "There will be difficult disagreements, there will be crises, there will be disputes. But I am hopeful that if we act in a cautious and responsible manner, there is a chance that we will eventually reach an agreement. "I hope we can reach an agreement during the year 2008," the prime minister said, stressing that the negotiations "will not skip any issue standing between us and them," meaning that the talks will address all the core issues.

If you think back, you will remember that recent earthquakes in Israel have also occurred during significant political and religious events. One earthquake occurred on the eve of Rosh Hashanah - the Feast of Trumpets, around which time of year it is thought that Jesus Christ will return to earth to set up His kingdom. This was preceded by a total lunar eclipse the day before, the moon being representative of the Messiah in Jewish tradition. Two earthquakes also struck Israel the day after PA President Mahmoud Abbas and then PA Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh agreed to form a Palestinian unity government in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Now Hamas controls the Gaza Strip and continues to fire rockets into Israel on a daily basis. And as my friend Olli-Pekka has reminded me, a major earthquake measuring around 7.2 on the Richter Scale hit Israel just two days after the Jewish state became the first country to sign a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement with the European Union, courtesy of Javier Solana.

Quote: "JAVIER SOLANA helped establish as part of the Israeli peace process the earthquake research center set up in Eilat, Israel to study the Jordan Valley Rift earthquakes. It was that center that issued the original revised data on the earthquake of 11-22-2000 that they now have admitted to me really was a 7.2 earthquake. It was historically revised downward to reflect that it was a 6.2. My admission that the 6.2 was false and misleading was from Rami Hostetter, head of the Israeli Geophysical Institute, which continues to carry the false and misleading figures to the dismay of the hapless architects and engineers. Why would they revise it? Because it came two days after the 11-20-95 signing of a peace treaty between the EU and Israel. That too was brokered solely and signed by Dr. Javier Solana (a professor of physics). I believe it was because they believe the earthquake could be construed as a supernatural warning, which it may well have been. The earthquake came 3 days before the Barcelona Conference started.

Could these earthquakes be a Divine warning to the Israeli government against formulating a peace agreement with their enemies? I think so. Today we are living in God's Day of Grace. His offer of salvation is still extended to all those who will believe (John 3:16). The Scriptures warn us that the Day of Grace will one day come to a end. Then God's Day of Wrath will commense. As is said by the people of earth in that day, who shall be able to stand? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Revelation 6:12
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Source YNet News, Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post, YNet News, Cephas Ministry 

Indonesia hit by another earthquake

A moderate 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s North Maluku province on Wednesday, seismologists said, but there were no reports of casualties or damage.

*This country has been getting hit hard lately with a lot of enviromental occurances*

Major Earthquake Strikes Chile

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”
—Mat 24:7