March 11, 2011

Five years ago today, Japan was hit with a devastating earthquake and tsunami, centered off of Japan's northeast coast.  The "Great East Japan (Tōhoku) Earthquake" registered an incredible 9.0 on the Richter scale, making it the biggest earthquake ever suffered by Japan, and one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.  The quake caused a massive tsunami, whose 30-foot waves rolled ashore, sweeping away buildings, ships, homes and, most tragically, killing nearly 16,000 people (confirmed deaths), with thousands more swept out to sea and lost. The disaster also caused the destruction of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, causing radioactive material to contaminate parts of Fukushima Prefecture and elsewhere, an issue that the Government and the people are still dealing with, and forcing a nationwide re-examination of nuclear power's role in the Japanese economy.

In the five years that have passed, Japan continues to rebuild and recover, despite the massive loss of lives and property.  Economic loss is estimated at some $300 billion.  Side-by-side photos demonstrate how devastating the damage was, and how much remains to be rebuilt....if ever.  What's harder to grasp is the large loss of life, and the pain of the survivors who had their loved ones swept away in an instant.

(photos: Devastation along Japan's northeast coast, March 2011)