2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami was a major natural disaster that struck northeastern Japan on 11 March 2011.
The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami was a major natural disaster that struck northeastern Japan on 11 March 2011. A powerful offshore earthquake generated tsunami waves that caused widespread coastal devastation and led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident.
Background
The disaster began with a major offshore megathrust earthquake along the Japan Trench near the Tōhoku region. It was one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in Japan and produced a large tsunami within minutes.
Tsunami impact
The tsunami struck coastal areas of northeastern Honshu with extreme force, in some places reaching run-up heights near 40 metres. It flooded large areas inland, destroyed settlements, and caused extensive loss of life and property.
Fukushima nuclear accident
Flooding from the tsunami disabled power and cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. This led to a severe nuclear accident and large-scale evacuations.
Casualties and damage
The disaster caused about 20,000 deaths or missing persons according to official Japanese reporting, along with thousands of injuries. It also produced enormous economic and infrastructure losses.
Key facts
- The earthquake struck offshore of northeastern Japan and generated a destructive tsunami.
- Tsunami waves reached heights of nearly 40 metres in some areas.
- The tsunami inundated coastal communities and caused severe damage to homes, roads, railways, and infrastructure.
- The disaster triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident after floodwaters disabled key safety systems.
- Official Japanese government figures later reported 19,759 deaths, 6,242 injured, and 2,553 missing.
The disaster prompted tsunami monitoring, emergency planning, and public-awareness efforts in Pacific Canada, especially along British Columbia’s coast.
Frequently asked questions
What was the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami?
How strong was the earthquake?
How high were the tsunami waves?
How many people died?
Did the disaster affect the Fukushima nuclear plant?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_T%C5%8Dhoku_earthquake_and_tsunamiSupports: Tsunami heights, travel speed, inland reach, and 2021 official casualty figures.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/Japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-of-2011Supports: Date, location, disaster description, and overall death toll estimates.
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information — https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/day-2011-japan-earthquake-and-tsunamiSupports: Magnitude, arrival time of tsunami, and major impacts including reactor disablement.
- National Geographic Education — https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/tohoku-earthquake-and-tsunami/Supports: Tsunami mechanism, wave heights, displacement, and Fukushima-related impacts.
- World Vision — https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2011-japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-factsSupports: Magnitude, flooded area, evacuees, and estimated economic loss.
- Japan Reconstruction Agency — https://www.reconstruction.go.jp/english/topics/GEJE/Supports: Official Japanese summary of deaths, injuries, and missing persons.
- NOAA National Geophysical Data Center — https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/11mar2011.htmlSupports: Earthquake magnitude, location, depth, and Pacific-wide tsunami observation.