The devastation caused by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake was immense.
Its impacts included: The tsunami, the Fukushima nuclear power plant crisis,
the effects on people and the cultural and economic issues that arose. According to the Japanese Foreign
Ministry, 134 countries and 39 international organisations offered assistance
to help the country recover from the many impacts; however Japan is still
recovering four years later.
The Tsunami:
Less than an hour after the earthquake, the first of many tsunami waves hit Japan's coastline. These waves struck the North-East coast of Japan and were up to 39 meters high. The tsunami was triggered by the Tohoku earthquake which sent shockwaves through the water, travelling at around 650 km/h. When these waves entered shallower water closer to land, they slowed to about 50 km/h due to friction with the seabed. The waves continued to push together forming a larger wave. The wave trough came to shore first, making the sea retreat; this was followed by a rapid rise in water sweeping inland. The tsunami killed 15,890 people and its effects were far worse than the earthquake which caused it.
Figure 7: Tsunami
Less than an hour after the earthquake, the first of many tsunami waves hit Japan's coastline. These waves struck the North-East coast of Japan and were up to 39 meters high. The tsunami was triggered by the Tohoku earthquake which sent shockwaves through the water, travelling at around 650 km/h. When these waves entered shallower water closer to land, they slowed to about 50 km/h due to friction with the seabed. The waves continued to push together forming a larger wave. The wave trough came to shore first, making the sea retreat; this was followed by a rapid rise in water sweeping inland. The tsunami killed 15,890 people and its effects were far worse than the earthquake which caused it.
Figure 7: Tsunami
Nuclear Power Plant Crisis:
The most destructive and longest lasting effect of the Tohoku earthquake was the Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown which has been recorded as the world’s worst nuclear accident in 25 years. Located 150 miles northeast of Tokyo, the plant was directly affected by the earthquake. The Fukushima nuclear power complex lost its connection to the electrical grid, relying instead on diesel generators to continue delivering power to circulate cooling water around the hot nuclear core. Although the complex was equipped for the earthquake, the resulting tsunami knocked out the crucial cooling systems, resulting in a series of explosions and meltdowns. The people inhabiting the nearby area were immediately evacuated.
The sudden meltdown not only put people’s lives in danger, but also had severe environmental impacts. Radioactive material was released through the air and water left behind by the tsunami. It was later found that water sampled near the plant's seawater discharge point contained 4,385 times more radiation than the maximum safety levels, and that radiation far above legal limits was found in 11 types of vegetables from the Fukushima area. This made living even harder for the starving people affected by the disaster.
Figure 8: Nuclear Power Plant Crisis
The Impact on People:
The social impacts of the Tohoku earthquake were overwhelming. The death toll reached approximately 19,000, although a large majority of these fatalities occurred due to drowning in the tsunami. Those who did survive the immediate effects of the earthquake had to face another challenge: staying alive. At least 46,027 buildings were destroyed either by crumbling from the earthquake, being washed away by the tsunami or being burnt down by fires that occurred when the earthquake ruptured gas lines and power lines, or tipped over wood or coal stoves. 500,000 people were left homeless. Many whose homes remained standing didn’t have access to clean water or electricity, making living conditions harsh. Although houses have now been rebuilt, the psychological impact of the earthquake and the memories of deceased family and friends will last with the people forever.
Figure 9: Damage caused by Tohoku earthquake and tsunami
The social impacts of the Tohoku earthquake were overwhelming. The death toll reached approximately 19,000, although a large majority of these fatalities occurred due to drowning in the tsunami. Those who did survive the immediate effects of the earthquake had to face another challenge: staying alive. At least 46,027 buildings were destroyed either by crumbling from the earthquake, being washed away by the tsunami or being burnt down by fires that occurred when the earthquake ruptured gas lines and power lines, or tipped over wood or coal stoves. 500,000 people were left homeless. Many whose homes remained standing didn’t have access to clean water or electricity, making living conditions harsh. Although houses have now been rebuilt, the psychological impact of the earthquake and the memories of deceased family and friends will last with the people forever.
Figure 9: Damage caused by Tohoku earthquake and tsunami
The Impact on the Economy:
The Tohoku earthquake devastated Japan's economy. It destroyed 46,027 buildings and cost an estimated $360 billion in economic damage, making it the world's costliest natural disaster. To make matters worse, Japan's nuclear industry was shattered. Before the earthquake, Japan relied heavily on its nuclear industry, however all of Japan's 50 nuclear reactors were closed after the disaster. As a result, Japan had to import oil, causing record trade deficits.
Figure 10: Destruction after earthquake and tsunami
The Tohoku earthquake devastated Japan's economy. It destroyed 46,027 buildings and cost an estimated $360 billion in economic damage, making it the world's costliest natural disaster. To make matters worse, Japan's nuclear industry was shattered. Before the earthquake, Japan relied heavily on its nuclear industry, however all of Japan's 50 nuclear reactors were closed after the disaster. As a result, Japan had to import oil, causing record trade deficits.
Figure 10: Destruction after earthquake and tsunami
Cultural Impacts:
Before the Tohoku earthquake hit, North East Japan was regarded as an idyllic and peaceful region, and attracted many tourists from all around the globe. The devastation caused by the quake brought the tourism industry of Japan to a sudden decline. The epicentre of the earthquake was located near the coast of Matsushima, an area with over 200 islands that is one of the most recognized natural landmarks of Japan. The islands, as well as many traditional temples and shrines located nearby, were severely damaged by the quake. The Agency for Cultural Affairs reported that a total of 353 cultural properties were damaged, all of which are government protected sites significant to Japan's cultural heritage.
High levels of radiation in the air and water, caused by the meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant, made Japan an undesirable place to visit due to the risk of radiation poisoning. Japan’s economy was shattered. Unable to rely on their tourism industry for financial support, the country was plunged into even more debt.
Figure 11: A ruined temple after the earthquake
Before the Tohoku earthquake hit, North East Japan was regarded as an idyllic and peaceful region, and attracted many tourists from all around the globe. The devastation caused by the quake brought the tourism industry of Japan to a sudden decline. The epicentre of the earthquake was located near the coast of Matsushima, an area with over 200 islands that is one of the most recognized natural landmarks of Japan. The islands, as well as many traditional temples and shrines located nearby, were severely damaged by the quake. The Agency for Cultural Affairs reported that a total of 353 cultural properties were damaged, all of which are government protected sites significant to Japan's cultural heritage.
High levels of radiation in the air and water, caused by the meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant, made Japan an undesirable place to visit due to the risk of radiation poisoning. Japan’s economy was shattered. Unable to rely on their tourism industry for financial support, the country was plunged into even more debt.
Figure 11: A ruined temple after the earthquake