2011 Japan Earthquake & Tsunami
On March 11, 2011 an 8.9 earthquake struck the northeastern coast of Japan. Less than 30 minutes later 30 feet tall waves began to hit the shore. Homes were destroyed, roads made impassable and thousands of people died instantly. Although the population of Japan was one of the most highly educated about earthquakes and tsunamis, they were unprepared for this intense disaster. Fortunately, some lives were saved by Japan's extensive disaster preparedness and strict construction codes. The quake occurred in a subduction zone, where one of earth's tectonic plates slides under another. The long term effects of this event were extensive and immense. 309 billion dollars of damage was done, and repairs will take years to complete. Another pressing concern was possible radiation leaks from 2 nuclear power plants damaged during the calamity.
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