Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Factsheet

Note: This post was written by AI and edited by the A Bit of Nippon team.

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, also known as the Great East Japan Earthquake, occurred on March 11, 2011. 

Here are some key facts about the disaster:

• The earthquake had a magnitude of 9.0 – 9.1, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.

• The earthquake occurred at 2:46 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan.

• The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami, with waves reaching up to 40 meters (131 feet) in some areas.

• The tsunami caused widespread devastation, including damage to buildings, infrastructure, and farmland. It also caused multiple nuclear accidents, including the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

• The disaster claimed the lives of nearly 20,000 people (19,759 people), with over 2,500 (2,553) still reported as missing.

• The Japanese government declared a state of emergency and launched a massive search and rescue operation. Many countries, including the United States, sent aid and assistance to Japan.

• The disaster led to a review of Japan's disaster preparedness and nuclear power policies. The government introduced new regulations and safety measures for nuclear power plants and emergency response.

• In the years since the disaster, efforts have been made to rebuild affected areas and support affected communities. However, many people are still dealing with the physical, emotional, and economic impact of the disaster.

• The disaster also served as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of disaster preparedness and response, both in Japan and around the world.