Examine individual changes
This page allows you to examine the variables generated by the Edit Filter for an individual change.
Variables generated for this change
| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
Whether or not the edit is marked as minor (no longer in use) (minor_edit) | false |
Edit count of the user (user_editcount) | 0 |
Name of the user account (user_name) | 'Themainman33' |
Age of the user account (user_age) | 124 |
Groups (including implicit) the user is in (user_groups) | [
0 => '*',
1 => 'user'
] |
Rights that the user has (user_rights) | [
0 => 'createaccount',
1 => 'read',
2 => 'edit',
3 => 'createtalk',
4 => 'writeapi',
5 => 'viewmywatchlist',
6 => 'editmywatchlist',
7 => 'viewmyprivateinfo',
8 => 'editmyprivateinfo',
9 => 'editmyoptions',
10 => 'abusefilter-log-detail',
11 => 'centralauth-merge',
12 => 'abusefilter-view',
13 => 'abusefilter-log',
14 => 'vipsscaler-test',
15 => 'collectionsaveasuserpage',
16 => 'reupload-own',
17 => 'move-rootuserpages',
18 => 'move-categorypages',
19 => 'createpage',
20 => 'minoredit',
21 => 'editmyusercss',
22 => 'editmyuserjson',
23 => 'editmyuserjs',
24 => 'purge',
25 => 'sendemail',
26 => 'applychangetags',
27 => 'spamblacklistlog',
28 => 'mwoauthmanagemygrants'
] |
Whether the user is editing from mobile app (user_app) | false |
Whether or not a user is editing through the mobile interface (user_mobile) | true |
Page ID (page_id) | 31150160 |
Page namespace (page_namespace) | 0 |
Page title without namespace (page_title) | '2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami' |
Full page title (page_prefixedtitle) | '2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami' |
Last ten users to contribute to the page (page_recent_contributors) | [
0 => '61.239.17.214',
1 => 'Mikenorton',
2 => '2602:306:3060:EA80:D853:B413:30F3:B190',
3 => 'ClueBot NG',
4 => '98.160.191.225',
5 => 'Girth Summit',
6 => '2A02:C7F:DC2E:5600:F42D:EEE1:D269:41B8',
7 => 'Dawnseeker2000',
8 => '121.217.13.203',
9 => 'EngineerFromVega'
] |
Action (action) | 'edit' |
Edit summary/reason (summary) | 'Added content' |
Old content model (old_content_model) | 'wikitext' |
New content model (new_content_model) | 'wikitext' |
Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | '{{Redirect|2011 Miyagi earthquake|the aftershock that occurred on 7 April|April 2011 Miyagi earthquake}}
{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox earthquake
| title = 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
| image = SH-60B helicopter flies over Sendai.jpg
| image alt = An aerial view of tsunami damage in Tōhoku
| caption = Smoke from the Sendai [[JX Nippon Oil & Energy|Nippon Oil]] refinery
| map =
| map alt =
| map_caption =
| map2 = {{Location map+|Japan|relief=1|width=260|float=right|border=yes|caption=|places=
{{Location map~|Japan|lat=38.322|long=142.369|mark=Bullseye1.png|marksize=40|position=top}}
{{Location map~|Japan|lat=35.7|long=139.715|label=Tokyo|position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~|Japan|lat=38.26|long=140.87|label=Sendai|position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}}}
| local-date = {{start date and age|df=yes|2011|03|11}}
| local-time = 14:46 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]]
| timestamp = 2011-03-11 05:46:24
| anss-url= official20110311054624120_30
| duration = 6 minutes
| magnitude = 9.0–9.1 ([[Moment magnitude scale|M<sub>w</sub>]])
| depth = {{Convert|29|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| location = {{Coord|38.322|N|142.369|E|type:event_scale:50000000|display=inline,title}}
| type = [[Megathrust earthquake|Megathrust]]
| countries affected = [[Japan]] (shaking, tsunami)<br />[[Pacific Rim]] (tsunami)
| damage = $360 billion [[USD]]
| intensity = [[Mercalli intensity scale|IX (''Violent'')]]
| PGA = 2.99 ''[[peak ground acceleration|g]]''
| PGV = 117.41 cm/s
| tsunami = Up to {{Convert|40.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />in [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]], [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| landslide = Yes
| foreshocks = [[List of foreshocks and aftershocks of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake]]
| aftershocks = 13,386 (as of 6 March 2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1803/08d/1802offtohokueq.pdf |title=「平成23年（2011年）東北地方太平洋沖地震」について～７年間の地震活動～ |editor=Japan Meteorological Agency |trans-title="About 2011 Tōhoku earthquake - Seismic activities for 7 years -"|format=PDF|accessdate=2018-06-18}} on 6 March 2018.</ref><!-- The total(計) listed at the end of p. 5 includes the main shock. -->
| casualties = {{2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami casualties dead}}<br />{{2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami casualties injured}}<br />{{2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami casualties missing}}<!--casualties section in body-->
| citations = <ref name="USGS9.0" /><ref name="Asahi-ERI-Takashi" /><ref name=15wcee/><ref>https://www.thebalance.com/japan-s-2011-earthquake-tsunami-and-nuclear-disaster-3305662</ref>
}}
The {{Nihongo|'''2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku'''|東北地方太平洋沖地震|Tōhoku-chihō Taiheiyō Oki Jishin}} was a [[Moment magnitude scale|magnitude]] 9.0–9.1 (M<sub>w</sub>) [[Submarine earthquake|undersea]] [[megathrust earthquake]] off the coast of [[Japan]] that occurred at 14:46 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] (05:46 [[UTC]]) on Friday 11 March 2011,<ref name="USGS9.0">{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/official20110311054624120_30#executive |title=M 9.1 – near the east coast of Honshu, Japan |publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS) |accessdate=9 November 2016 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgj6FuHC?url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0001xgp/ |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="New Scientist">{{Cite journal |url=https://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/powerful-japan-quake-sparks-ts.html |title=Japan's quake updated to magnitude 9.0 |edition=Short Sharp Science |journal=[[New Scientist]] |date=11 March 2011 |first=Michael |last=Reilly |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgjBRle0?url=http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/powerful-japan-quake-sparks-ts.html |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=USGS>{{cite news|title=New USGS number puts Japan quake at 4th largest |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/14/501364/main20043126.shtml |newspaper=[[CBS News]] |agency=Associated Press |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgjFTgf4?url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/14/501364/main20043126.shtml |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> with the [[epicentre]] approximately {{Convert|70|km|mi|0}} east of the [[Oshika Peninsula]] of [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]] and the [[hypocenter]] at an underwater depth of approximately {{Convert|29|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="USGS9.0"/><ref name="BBC1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598 |work=BBC News |title=Tsunami hits north-eastern Japan after massive quake |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7SSocBe?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598 |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
The earthquake is often referred to in Japan as the {{Nihongo|'''Great East Japan Earthquake'''|東日本大震災|Higashi nihon daishinsai}}<ref name="kantei0401">{{cite web|url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/statement/201104/01kaiken_e.html |title=Press Conference by Prime Minister Naoto Kan |publisher=[[Prime Minister of Japan]] and His Cabinet |accessdate=1 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MOXMvL?url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/statement/201104/01kaiken_e.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110402a6.html |work=The Japan Times |title=Kan names quake at pep talk |date=2 April 2011 |accessdate=2 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgiq5T7u?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110402a6.html |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>{{refn|group="fn"|name="fn_1"|In the early days after the earthquake some other names were proposed and used. The Japan Meteorological Agency announced the English name as '''The 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake'''.<ref name="Michael Winter">{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/03/quake-shifted-japan-coast-about-13-feet-knocked-earth-65-inches-off-axis/1 |title=Quake shifted Japan coast about 13 feet, knocked Earth 6.5 inches off axis |author=Michael Winter |date=14 March 2011 |work=USA Today |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wu5DFh?url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/03/quake-shifted-japan-coast-about-13-feet-knocked-earth-65-inches-off-axis/1 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="Japan Meteorological Agency">{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/News/2011_Earthquake_01.html |title=The 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake ~first report~ |publisher=Japan Meteorological Agency |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9gMMWr1?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/News/2011_Earthquake_01.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |date=March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>[http://cais.gsi.go.jp/YOCHIREN/activity/191/191.e.html Abstract of the 191th [sic!] <!-- "191th" instead of "191st" also in original title. --> meeting of CCEP] – website of the Japanese [[Coordinating Committee for Earthquake Prediction]]</ref> NHK<ref name="NHKニュース 東北関東大震災（動画）">{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/ |title=NHKニュース 東北関東大震災（動画） |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9kH20np?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/ |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="仙台放送局 東北関東大震災">{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/saigai/jishin/sendai/4133_1.html |title=仙台放送局 東北関東大震災 |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8MOuSc5?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/saigai/jishin/sendai/4133_1.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> used {{Nihongo|'''Tōhoku Kantō Great Earthquake disaster'''|東北関東大震災|Tōhoku Kantō Daishinsai}}; {{Nihongo|'''Tōhoku-Kantō Great Earthquake'''|東北・関東大地震|Tōhoku-Kantō Daijishin}} was used by Kyodo News,<ref name="東日本大震災 – 一般社団法人 共同通信社 ニュース特集">{{cite news|url=http://www.kyodonews.jp/feature/news04/ |title=東日本大震災 – 一般社団法人 共同通信社 ニュース特集 |agency=Kyodo News |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2x66xFC?url=http://www.kyodonews.jp/feature/news04/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
Tokyo Shimbun<ref>{{cite web|author=【東京】 |url=http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/tokyo/20110312/CK2011031202000013.html |title=東京新聞:収まらぬ余震 …不安 東北・関東大地震:東京(TOKYO Web) |publisher=Tokyo-np.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317002516/http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/tokyo/20110312/CK2011031202000013.html |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> and Chunichi Shimbun;<ref name="【中日新聞からのお知らせ】">{{cite web|author=【中日新聞からのお知らせ】 |url=http://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/release/CK2011031202000067.html |title=中日新聞:災害義援金受け付け 東日本大震災:中日新聞からのお知らせ(CHUNICHI Web) |publisher=Chunichi.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2x7VS0y?url=http://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/release/CK2011031202000067.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> {{Nihongo|'''East Japan Giant Earthquake'''|東日本巨大地震|Higashi Nihon Kyodaijishin}} was used by [[Yomiuri Shimbun]],<ref name="Yomiuri Shimbun">{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/feature/eq2011/ |title=東日本巨大地震 震災掲示板 : 特集 : YOMIURI ONLINE（読売新聞） |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2x8tebC?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/feature/eq2011/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Nihon Keizai Shimbun]]<ref name="Nikkei.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.nikkei.com/news/special/top/q=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E6E2;p=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E1E6;o=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E1E1 |script-title=ja:東日本巨大地震 ：特集 ：日本経済新聞 |language=Japanese |publisher=Nikkei.com |date=1 January 2000 |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2x9UcNY?url=http://www.nikkei.com/news/special/top/q=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E6E2;p=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E1E6;o=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E1E1 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and [[TV Asahi]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/ann/news/web/html/210313015.html |title=【地震】東日本巨大地震を激甚災害指定 政府 |publisher=News.tv-asahi.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317002505/http://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/ann/news/web/html/210313015.html |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> and {{Nihongo|'''East Japan Great Earthquake'''|東日本大地震|Higashi Nihon Daijishin}} was used by [[Nippon Television]],<ref name="東日本大地震 緊急募金受け付け中">{{cite web |url=https://cr.ntv.co.jp/24htv/charity/ |title=東日本大地震 緊急募金受け付け中 |publisher=Cr.ntv.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2xBREvo?url=https://cr.ntv.co.jp/24htv/charity/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[Tokyo FM]]<ref name="Tfm.co.jp">{{cite web|url=http://www.tfm.co.jp/timetable/?date=20110314 |title=番組表 – TOKYO FM 80.0 MHz – 80.Love FM RADIO STATION |publisher=Tfm.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2xC2muf?url=http://www.tfm.co.jp/timetable/?date=20110314 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and TV Asahi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kakaku.com/tv/channel=10/programID=4196/episodeID=472647/ |title=「報道特番 ～東日本大地震～」 2011年3月14日（月）放送内容 |publisher=Kakaku.com |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317002459/http://kakaku.com/tv/channel%3D10/programID%3D4196/episodeID%3D472647/ |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>}} and is also known as the '''2011 Tōhoku earthquake''',<ref>[http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2727&from=rss_home USGS Updates Magnitude of Japan's 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake to 9.03] – website of the [[United States Geological Survey]]</ref> and the '''3.11 earthquake'''. It was the most powerful [[List of earthquakes in Japan|earthquake ever recorded in Japan]], and the [[Largest earthquakes by magnitude|fourth most powerful earthquake in the world]] since modern record-keeping began in 1900.<ref name=USGS /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/13/japan-tsunami-earthquake-power-cuts |title=Tsunami, earthquake, nuclear crisis – now Japan faces power cuts |last=Branigan |first=Tania |date=13 March 2011 |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDAT05x0?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/13/japan-tsunami-earthquake-power-cuts/print |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="3news">{{Cite news |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Japan-quake---7th-largest-in-recorded-history/tabid/417/articleID/201998/Default.aspx |title=Japan quake – 7th largest in recorded history |accessdate=11 March 2011 |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOn8fYs?url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Japan-quake---7th-largest-in-recorded-history/tabid/417/articleID/201998/Default.aspx |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
The earthquake triggered powerful [[tsunami]] waves that reached heights of up to {{Convert|40.5|m|ft|0}} in [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]] in Tōhoku's [[Iwate Prefecture]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/13_04.html |title=March 11th tsunami a record 40.5 metres high NHK |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |date=13 August 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728013451/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/13_04.html |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="yomiuri">[[Yomiuri Shimbun]] evening edition 2-11-04-15 page 15, nearby Aneyoshi fishery port (姉吉漁港)(Google map E39 31 57.8, N 142 3 7.6) 2011-04-15, [http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110415-OYT1T00389.htm 大震災の津波、宮古で38.9 m…明治三陸上回る] by okayasu Akio (岡安 章夫) {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aMlkNh?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110415-OYT1T00389.htm |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> and which, in the [[Sendai]] area, traveled up to {{Convert|10|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} inland.<ref name="roland buerk">{{cite news|author=Roland Buerk |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598 |title=Japan earthquake: Tsunami hits north-east |publisher=BBC |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7SSocBe?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598 |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The earthquake moved [[Honshu]] (the main island of Japan) {{Convert|2.4|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} east, shifted the Earth on its axis by estimates of between {{Convert|10|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|25|cm|in|0|abbr=on}},<ref name=DW>{{Cite news |title=Quake shifted Japan by over two metres |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14909967,00.html |work=[[Deutsche Welle]] |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xBeYFfOD?url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14909967,00.html |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /><ref name="Chai" /> increased earth's rotational speed by 1.8 [[µs]] per day,<ref>{{cite web|language = ja|url = http://www.nationalgeographic.co.jp/news/news_article.php?file_id=20110317002&expand&source=gnews|title = 大地震で一日が短縮、軸の振動も変化|publisher = [[National Geographic]]|date = 2011-03-17|accessdate = 2011-03-19|deadurl = yes|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130513233043/http://www.nationalgeographic.co.jp/news/news_article.php?file_id=20110317002&expand&source=gnews|archivedate = 13 May 2013|df = dmy-all}}</ref> and generated [[infrasound]] waves detected in perturbations of the low-orbiting [[GOCE]] satellite.<ref name="esa.int">{{cite web |url= http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/GOCE/GOCE_the_first_seismometer_in_orbit | date=8 March 2013|title=GOCE: The First Seismometer in Orbit |accessdate= 21 August 2016}}</ref>
Initially, the earthquake caused sinking of part of Honshu's Pacific coast by up to roughly a metre, but after about three years, the coast rose back and kept on rising to exceed its original height.<ref>[http://imakawa.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/9f13afd3f43e4db8a55e43ae8294c9fe.pdf 未来を考える力を 気仙沼復興レポート㉘ 地盤の沈下と隆起] 2016-06-11 今川 悟</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/videonews/jnn?a=20141011-00000027-jnn-soci |title= 震災で沈下の地盤が隆起、高すぎる岸壁に漁師困惑 |archivedate=2014-10-11|archiveurl=https://archive.fo/20141011180532/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/videonews/jnn?a=20141011-00000027-jnn-soci|accessdate=2017-11-02|date=2014-10-11|publisher=TBS Newsi}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGKKASDG20HAE_Y5A300C1CR8000/ 地盤が隆起 漁業者困惑 最大40センチ、積み荷に影響 三陸沿岸で地殻変動か] Nikkei 2015-03-09</ref><ref>[https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLZO13400150W7A220C1TJM000/ 東北沿岸、地震で沈んだ地盤が謎の隆起 マントル影響か] Nikkei 2017-02-27</ref>
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The latest report from the Japanese [[National Police Agency (Japan)|National Police Agency]] report confirms {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties dead}} {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties injured}} and {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties missing}} across twenty [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]], and a report from 2015 indicated 228,863 people were still living away from their home in either temporary housing or due to permanent relocation.<ref>{{cite news|title=4th Anniversary today|publisher=Kobe Shinbun|date=11 March 2015|page=1}}</ref> A March 2018 agency report listed 121,776 buildings totally collapsed, with a further 280,923 buildings "half collapsed", and another 726,574 buildings partially damaged.<ref name="npajproperty">[http://www.npa.go.jp/archive/keibi/biki/higaijokyo_e.pdf "Damage Situation and Police Countermeasures... 9 March 2018"] National Police Agency of Japan. Retrieved 19 March 2018.</ref> The earthquake and tsunami also caused extensive and severe structural damage in north-eastern Japan, including heavy damage to roads and railways as well as fires in many areas, and a dam collapse.<ref name="roland buerk"/><ref>Saira Syed – [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12756379 "Japan quake: Infrastructure damage will delay recovery"] – 16 March 2011 – ''BBC News'' – Retrieved 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xF8vSig6?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12756379 |date=17 March 2011 }}</ref> [[Japanese Prime Minister]] [[Naoto Kan]] said, "In the 65 years after the end of World War II, this is the toughest and the most difficult crisis for Japan."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/13/japan.quake/index.html?iref=NS1 |title=Japanese PM: 'Toughest' crisis since World War II |publisher=CNN |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOp7djK?url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/13/japan.quake/index.html?iref=NS1 |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Around 4.4 million households in northeastern Japan were left without electricity and 1.5 million without water.<ref name="waterfoodheat">{{Cite news|title=Millions Of Stricken Japanese Lack Water, Food, Heat |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/03/14/134527591/millions-of-stricken-japanese-lack-water-food-heat |publisher=[[NPR]] |accessdate=16 March 2011 |author=NPR Staff and Wires |date=14 March 2011 |quote=Nearly 1.5 million households had gone without water since the quake struck. |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOlpZ9p?url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/14/134527591/millions-of-stricken-japanese-lack-water-food-heat |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
The tsunami caused [[2011 Japanese nuclear accidents|nuclear accidents]], primarily the [[International Nuclear Event Scale|level 7]] [[Nuclear meltdown|meltdown]]s at three reactors in the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant]] complex, and the associated evacuation zones affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|author=the CNN Wire Staff |url=http://www.ktvz.com/news/28143212/detail.html |title=Japan: 3 Nuclear Reactors Melted Down – News Story – KTVZ Bend |publisher=Ktvz.com |date=6 June 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014644/http://www.ktvz.com/news/28143212/detail.html |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/06/06/japan.nuclear.meltdown/index.html |title=3 nuclear reactors melted down after quake, Japan confirms |publisher=CNN |accessdate=6 June 2011 |date=7 June 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120725071232/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/06/06/japan.nuclear.meltdown/index.html| archivedate=25 July 2012| deadurl= no}}</ref> Many electrical generators were taken down, and at least three nuclear reactors [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|suffered explosions]] due to hydrogen gas that had built up within their outer containment buildings after cooling system failure resulting from the loss of electrical power. Residents within a {{Convert|20|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and a {{Convert|10|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} radius of the [[Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant]] were evacuated.
Early estimates placed insured losses from the earthquake alone at US$14.5 to $34.6 billion.<ref>{{cite news |author=Molly Hennessy-Fiske |work=Los Angeles Times |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |title=Japan earthquake: Insurance cost for quake alone pegged at $35 billion, AIR says |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-japan-quake-insurance-20110314,0,866931.story |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xANKSW3Y?url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-japan-quake-insurance-20110314,0,866931.story |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[Bank of Japan]] offered [[Japanese yen|¥]]15 trillion (US$183 billion) to the banking system on 14 March in an effort to normalize market conditions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110314/wl_nm/us_japan_quake |title=New explosion shakes stricken Japanese nuclear plant |last=Uranaka |first=Taiga |author2=Kwon, Ki Joon |date=14 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xD9XGJub?url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110314/wl_nm/us_japan_quake/print |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[World Bank]]'s estimated economic cost was US$235 billion, making it the [[List of disasters by cost|costliest natural disaster in history]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Zhang |first=Bo |title=Top 5 Most Expensive Natural Disasters in History |url=http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/47459/top-5-most-expensive-natural-d.asp |website=AccuWeather.com |publisher=News & Video |accessdate=29 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOslCyp?url=http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/47459/top-5-most-expensive-natural-d.asp |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Victoria Kim |work=Los Angeles Times |date=21 March 2011 |accessdate=21 March 2011 |title=Japan damage could reach $235 billion, World Bank estimates |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fgw-japan-quake-world-bank-20110322,0,3799976.story |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOqplDu?url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fgw-japan-quake-world-bank-20110322,0,3799976.story |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
==Earthquake==
[[File:A seismogram of 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.jpg|thumb|left|A seismogram recorded in [[Massachusetts]], USA]]
[[File:C0001xgp wcmt smt.png|thumb|A visual depiction of the [[Focal mechanism|type of faulting]] that caused the main tremor, low-angle [[Thrust fault|thrusting]] on a west-dipping [[Fault (geology)|fault plane]]]]
The 9.1-[[Moment magnitude scale|magnitude]] ([[Moment magnitude scale|M<sub>w</sub>]]) [[Submarine earthquake|undersea]] [[megathrust earthquake]] occurred on 11 March 2011 at 14:46 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] (05:46 UTC) in the north-western Pacific Ocean at a relatively shallow depth of {{convert|32|km|mi|abbr=on}},<ref name=USGS9.0 /><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers Japan earthquake and tsunami: what happened and why|World news]. The Guardian. Retrieved on 3 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7mIOCfm?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers |date=12 March 2011 }}</ref> with its [[epicenter]] approximately {{convert|72|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of the [[Oshika Peninsula]] of [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]], Japan, lasting approximately six minutes.<ref name="Asahi-ERI-Takashi">{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/science/update/0317/TKY201103170129.html |title=震災の揺れは６分間 キラーパルス少なく 東大地震研 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=17 March 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MQJnhj?url=http://www.asahi.com/science/update/0317/TKY201103170129.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="USGS9.0" /> The earthquake was initially reported as 7.9 M<sub>w</sub> by the [[USGS]] before it was quickly upgraded to 8.8 M<sub>w</sub>, then to 8.9 M<sub>w</sub>,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/japan-quake-usgs-idUSN1120429420110311 |title=UPDATE 3-USGS upgrades Japan quake to 8.9 magnitude |agency=Reuters |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2011 |first=Anthony |last=Boadle |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MUMCsU?url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/japan-quake-usgs-idUSN1120429420110311 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and then finally to 9.0 M<sub>w</sub>.<ref name="New Scientist" /><ref name="USGS-9.0-Update">{{cite web|url=http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2727 |title=USGS Updates Magnitude of Japan's 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake to 9.0 |publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS) |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xC2zNlat?url=http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2727 |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> On 11 July 2016, the USGS further upgraded the earthquake to 9.1. [[Sendai]] was the nearest major city to the earthquake, {{convert|130|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the epicenter; the earthquake occurred {{convert|373|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Tokyo]].<ref name="USGS9.0" />
The main earthquake was preceded by a number of large [[foreshock]]s, with hundreds of [[aftershock]]s reported. One of the first major foreshocks was a 7.2 M<sub>w</sub> event on 9 March, approximately {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the epicenter of 11 March earthquake, with another three on the same day in excess of 6.0 M<sub>w</sub>.<ref name="USGS9.0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-japan-earthquake-tsunami-big-one-science/ |title=Japan Earthquake Not the "Big One"? |last=Lovett |first=Richard A. |date=14 March 2011 |work=[[National Geographic News]] |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDGM2J50?url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-japan-earthquake-tsunami-big-one-science/ |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Following the main earthquake on 11 March, a 7.4 M<sub>w</sub> aftershock was reported at 15:08 JST (6:06 UTC), succeeded by a 7.9 M<sub>w</sub> at 15:15 JST (6:16 UTC) and a 7.7 M<sub>w</sub> at 15:26 JST (6:26 UTC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tenki.jp/earthquake/detail-3612.html |title=地震情報 – 2011年3月10日 15時6分 – 日本気象協会 tenki.jp |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MROEAe?url=http://tenki.jp/earthquake/detail-3612.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}{{cite web|url=http://tenki.jp/earthquake/detail-3616.html |title=地震情報 – 2011年3月11日 15時15分 – 日本気象協会 tenki.jp |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MROEAe?url=http://tenki.jp/earthquake/detail-3612.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Over eight hundred aftershocks of magnitude 4.5 M<sub>w</sub> or greater have occurred since the initial quake,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/quake_singendo_index.html |title=Earthquake Information |accessdate=11 March 2011 |publisher=Japan Meteorological Agency |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7vVCywI?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/quake_singendo_index.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> including one on 26 October 2013 (local time) of magnitude 7.1 M<sub>w</sub>.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/10/25/earthquake_strikes_near_fukushima_region_of_japan.html |title=Earthquake strikes near Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant; no reports of damage |agency=AP|date=25 October 2013|accessdate=25 October 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025232609/http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/10/25/earthquake_strikes_near_fukushima_region_of_japan.html |archivedate=25 October 2013 |quote=A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck early Saturday morning off Japan's east coast [...] Japan's meteorological agency said the quake was an aftershock of the magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck the same area in 2011. |location=Toronto |work=The Star}}</ref> Aftershocks follow [[Aftershocks#Omori's law|Omori's law]], which states that the rate of aftershocks declines with the reciprocal of the time since the main quake. The aftershocks will thus taper off in time, but could continue for years.<ref name=CBSMcNutt />
===Geology===
[[File:Map of Sendai Earthquake 2011.jpg|thumb|Tōhoku earthquake and aftershocks from 11 to 14 March]]
[[File:SeismicAreas JapanTrenchEarthquakes.png|thumb|Hypocentral region boundaries (Source: The Japanese Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion)]]
This megathrust earthquake was a recurrence of the mechanism of the earlier [[869 Sanriku earthquake]], which has been estimated as having a magnitude of at least 8.4 M<sub>w</sub>, which also created a large tsunami that inundated the Sendai plain.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Sawai |first=Yuki |last2=Namegaya |first2=Yuichi |date= 9 November 2012 |title=Challenges of anticipating the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami using coastal geology |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258647207 |journal=Geophysical Research Letters |volume=39 |issue= 21|page=L21309 |doi=10.1029/2012GL053692 |access-date=26 May 2015|bibcode = 2012GeoRL..3921309S }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Goto |first=Kazuhisa |last2=Chagué-Goff |first2=Catherine |date=29 August 2012 |title=The future of tsunami research following the 2011 Tōhoku-oki event |url=http://home.hisf.no/steinbo/Marine%20geohazards/Goto_Sedimentary%20Geology_Tohoku_Tsunami_2012.pdf |journal=Sedimentary Geology |volume=282 |issue= |pages=1-13 |doi=10.1016/j.sedgeo.2012.08.003 |access-date=26 May 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528095244/http://home.hisf.no/steinbo/Marine%20geohazards/Goto_Sedimentary%20Geology_Tohoku_Tsunami_2012.pdf |archivedate=28 May 2015 |df= |bibcode=2012SedG..282....1G }}</ref> Three tsunami deposits have been identified within the Holocene sequence of the plain, all formed within the last 3,000 years, suggesting an 800 to 1,100 year recurrence interval for large tsunamigenic earthquakes. In 2001 it was reckoned that there was a high likelihood of a large tsunami hitting the Sendai plain as more than 1,100 years had then elapsed.<ref name="Minoura">{{cite journal|last=Minoura|first=K.|author2=[[Fumihiko Imamura|Imamura F.]] |author3=Sugawara D. |author4=Kono Y. |author5=Iwashita T.|year=2001|title=The 869 Jōgan tsunami deposit and recurrence interval of large-scale tsunami on the Pacific coast of northeast Japan|journal=Journal of Natural Disaster Science|volume=23|issue=2|pages=83–88|url=http://www.jsnds.org/contents/jnds/23_2_3.pdf|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> In 2007, the probability of an earthquake with a magnitude of M<sub>w</sub> 8.1–8.3 was estimated as 99% within the following 30 years.<ref name="Satake">{{cite journal|title=Tsunami source of the unusual AD 869 earthquake off Miyagi, Japan, inferred from tsunami deposits and numerical simulation of inundation|volume=31|pages=T31G–03|last=Satake|first=K.|authorlink=Kenji Satake|author2=Sawai, Y. |author3=Shishikura, M. |author4=Okamura, Y. |author5=Namegaya, Y. |author6=Yamaki, S.|year=2007|journal=American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2007, Abstract #T31G-03|bibcode=2007AGUFM.T31G..03S}}</ref>
This earthquake occurred where the [[Pacific Plate]] is [[Subduction|subducting]] under the plate beneath northern Honshu.<ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13">{{Cite news |first=Kenneth|last=Chang|title=Quake Moves Japan Closer to U.S. and Alters Earth's Spin |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14seismic.html |work=The New York Times |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=14 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110316002603/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14seismic.html| archivedate= 16 March 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref><ref name="grauniad">{{cite news|author=Ian Sample |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers |title=newspaper: Japan earthquake and tsunami: what happened and why |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7mIOCfm?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The Pacific plate, which moves at a rate of 8 to 9 cm (3.1 to 3.5 in) per year, dips under Honshu's underlying plate, building large amounts of elastic energy. This motion pushes the upper plate down until the accumulated stress causes a seismic slip-rupture event. The break caused the sea floor to rise by several metres.<ref name="grauniad" /> A quake of this magnitude usually has a rupture length of at least {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}} and generally requires a long, relatively straight fault surface. Because the plate boundary and [[subduction zone]] in the area of the Honshu rupture is not very straight, it is unusual for the magnitude of its earthquake to exceed 8.5 M<sub>w</sub>; the magnitude of this earthquake was a surprise to some seismologists.<ref>{{cite news |last=Maugh |first=Thomas H |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-japan-earthquake-20110310,0,7154967.story |title=Size of Japan's quake surprises seismologists |work=Los Angeles Times |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MUsywX?url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-japan-earthquake-20110310,0,7154967.story |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[Hypocenter|hypocentral region]] of this earthquake extended from offshore [[Iwate Prefecture]] to offshore [[Ibaraki Prefecture]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20110312/t10014615121000.html |title=地震調査委 想定外の連動地震 NHKニュース |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVeL1VKT?url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?&q=cache%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fsummer-heart-0930.chufeiyun1688.workers.dev%3A443%2Fhttp%2Fwww3.nhk.or.jp%2Fnews%2Fhtml%2F20110312%2Ft10014615121000.html |archivedate=28 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> The [[Japanese Meteorological Agency]] said that the earthquake may have ruptured the fault zone from Iwate to Ibaraki with a length of {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}} and a width of {{convert|200|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=soc&k=2011031100807&j1 |title=時事ドットコム：Ｍ８．８、死者３００人超＝行方不明５４０人以上−大津波１０ｍ・宮城で震度７ |publisher=Jiji.com |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MVTwjm?url=http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=soc&k=2011031100807&j1 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/ |title=気象庁"マグニチュードは９．０" NHKニュース |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVZxTBtQ?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/ |archivedate=27 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Analysis showed that this earthquake consisted of a set of three events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103130302.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：地殻破壊３連鎖、計６分 専門家、余震拡大に警鐘 – 東日本大震災 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MVqKoJ?url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103130302.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Other major earthquakes with tsunamis struck the [[Sanriku Coast]] region [[1896 Meiji-Sanriku earthquake|in 1896]] and [[1933 Sanriku earthquake|in 1933]].
The source area of this earthquake has a relatively high coupling coefficient surrounded by areas of relatively low coupling coefficients in the west, north, and south. From the averaged coupling coefficient of 0.5–0.8 in the source area and the seismic moment, it was estimated that the slip deficit of this earthquake was accumulated over a period of 260–880 years, which is consistent with the recurrence interval of such great earthquakes estimated from the tsunami deposit data. The seismic moment of this earthquake accounts for about 93% of the estimated cumulative moment from 1926 to March 2011. Hence, earthquakes with magnitudes about 7 since 1926 in this area only had released part of the accumulated energy. In the area near the trench, the coupling coefficient is high, which could act as the source of the large tsunami.<ref>[http://www.aob.geophys.tohoku.ac.jp/download/ronbun/EPS_uchida2011.pdf ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207195402/http://www.aob.geophys.tohoku.ac.jp/download/ronbun/EPS_uchida2011.pdf |date=7 December 2011 }}</ref>
Most of the foreshocks are interplate earthquakes with thrust-type focal mechanisms. Both interplate and intraplate earthquakes appeared in the aftershocks offshore Sanriku coast with considerable proportions.<ref>"Spatial distribution and focal mechanisms of aftershocks of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake" by Y. Asano, T. Saito, Y. Ito, K. Shiomi, H. Hirose, T. Matsumoto, S. Aoi, S. Hori, and S. Sekiguchi.</ref>
The strong ground motion registered at the maximum of 7 on the [[Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale]] in [[Kurihara, Miyagi|Kurihara]], [[Miyagi Prefecture]].<ref name="jma" /> Three other prefectures—[[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]] and [[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]]—recorded an upper 6 on the JMA scale. Seismic stations in [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]] and [[Chiba Prefecture]] measured a lower 6, recording an upper 5 in Tokyo.
In [[Russia]], the main shock could be felt in [[Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk]] (MSK 4) and [[Kurilsk]] (MSK 4). The aftershock at 06:25 UTC could be felt in [[Yuzhno-Kurilsk]] (MSK 5) and Kurilsk (MSK 4).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceme.gsras.ru/cgi-bin/info_quakee.pl?mode=1&id=165 |title=Quake | info |publisher=Ceme.gsras.ru |accessdate=7 September 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014651/http://www.ceme.gsras.ru/cgi-bin/info_quakee.pl?mode=1&id=165| archivedate= 28 July 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
===Energy===
[[File:2011 Japan Earthquake Tokyo Tower.jpg|thumb|Damage to the antenna of [[Tokyo Tower]]]]
The [[Moment magnitude scale#Radiated seismic energy|surface energy]] of the seismic waves from the earthquake was calculated to be at {{nowrap|1.9×10<sup>17</sup>}} [[joule]]s,<ref>{{cite web |title=The 2011 Japan Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Disaster |date=24 October 2012 |url=http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2011/ph240/kitanidis2/ |accessdate=21 June 2015}}</ref> which is nearly double that of the 9.1 M<sub>w</sub> [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]] that killed 230,000 people. If harnessed, the seismic energy from this earthquake would power a city the size of Los Angeles for an entire year.<ref name=CBSMcNutt>{{Cite video|people=Marcia McNutt |title=Energy from quake: if harnessed, could power L.A. for a year |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C7KKwIMapw |date=12 March 2011 |publisher=CBS News via YouTube (Google) |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MqdDhf?url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C7KKwIMapw |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[seismic moment]] (M<sub>0</sub>), which represents a physical size for the event, was calculated by the USGS at 3.9×10<sup>22</sup> joules,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0001xgp/neic_c0001xgp_wmt.php |title=USGS.gov: USGS WPhase Moment Solution |publisher=Earthquake.usgs.gov |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9dgiIL8?url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0001xgp/neic_c0001xgp_wmt.php |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> slightly less than the 2004 Indian Ocean quake.
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Japan's National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) calculated a [[peak ground acceleration]] of 2.99 [[g-force|''g'']] (29.33 m/s<sup>2</sup>).<ref>{{cite web|title=Preliminary report of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake |author=Okada Yoshimitsu |url=http://www.bosai.go.jp/e/pdf/Preliminary_report110328.pdf|publisher=National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) |date=25 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref>{{refn|The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami has been assigned GLIDE identifier EQ-2011-000028-JPN by the Asian Disaster Reduction Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adrc.asia/view_disaster_en.php?NationCode=392&lang=en&KEY=1497 |title=Asian Disaster Reduction Center（ADRC） |publisher=Adrc.asia |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MsCIA1?url=http://www.adrc.asia/view_disaster_en.php?NationCode=392&lang=en&KEY=1497 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adrc.asia/project/index.html#glide |title=Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) Information Sharing on Disaster Reduction |publisher=Adrc.asia |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MtBBY3?url=http://www.adrc.asia/project/index.html#glide |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>|name="fn_2"|group="fn"}} The largest individual recording in Japan was 2.7 g, in Miyagi Prefecture, 75 km from the epicentre; the highest reading in the Tokyo metropolitan area was 0.16 g.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nsmp.wr.usgs.gov/ekalkan/Tohoku/index.html |title=March 11, 2011 M9.0 Tōhoku, Japan Earthquake: Preliminary results |author1=Erol Kalkan |author2=Volkan Sevilgen |website=United States Geological Survey |date=17 March 2011 |accessdate=22 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xb6DokSo?url=http://nsmp.wr.usgs.gov/ekalkan/Tohoku/index.html |archivedate=31 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Geophysical effects===
Portions of northeastern Japan shifted by as much as {{convert|2.4|m}} closer to [[North America]],<ref name=DW /><ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /> making some sections of Japan's landmass wider than before.<ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /> Those areas of Japan closest to the epicenter experienced the largest shifts.<ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /> A {{convert|400|km|mi|adj=mid}} stretch of coastline dropped vertically by {{convert|0.6|m}}, allowing the tsunami to travel farther and faster onto land.<ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /> One early estimate suggested that the Pacific plate may have moved westward by up to {{convert|20|m}},<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12732335 |title=How the quake has moved Japan |last=Rincon |first=Paul |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xBwc3YC9?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12732335 |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and another early estimate put the amount of slippage at as much as 40 m (130 ft).<ref>{{Cite news|title=Japan quake fault may have moved 40 metres |url=https://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/giant-quake-was-small-for-its.html |last=Reilly |first=Michael |publisher=New Scientist |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7qjBk9N?url=http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/giant-quake-was-small-for-its.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> On 6 April the Japanese coast guard said that the quake shifted the seabed near the epicenter {{convert|24|metres}} and elevated the seabed off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture by {{convert|3|metres}}.<ref>[http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE73607620110407?irpc=932 Japan seabed shifted 24 metres after March quake | Reuters.com] {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MvhQKd?url=http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE73607620110407?irpc=932 |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> A report by the [[Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology]], published in ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]'' on 2 December 2011, concluded that the seabed in the area between the epicenter and the [[Japan Trench]] moved {{convert|50|metres}} east-southeast and rose about {{convert|7|metres}} as a result of the quake. The report also stated that the quake had caused several major landslides on the seabed in the affected area.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "March temblor shifted seabed by {{convert|50|metres}}", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 3 December 2011, p. 1.</ref>
[[File:Soil-liquefaction at Shinkiba after 2011 Tohoku Pacific Ocean offshore earthquake.jpg|thumb|left|[[Soil liquefaction]] in [[Koto, Tokyo|Kōtō]], Tokyo]]
The Earth's [[Rotation around a fixed axis|axis]] shifted by estimates of between {{Convert|10|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|25|cm|in|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=DW /><ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /><ref name="Chai" /> This deviation led to a number of small planetary changes, including the [[Earth's rotation|length of a day]], the [[Axial tilt#Obliquity|tilt of the Earth]], and the [[Chandler wobble]].<ref name="Chai">{{Cite news |url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Japan+quake+shifts+earth+axis+centimetres/4426356/story.html |title=Japan's quake shifts earth's axis by 25 centimetres |last=Chai |first=Carmen |date=11 March 2011 |work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|Montreal Gazette]] |publisher=[[Postmedia News]] |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x95t0CLU?url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Japan+quake+shifts+earth+axis+centimetres/4426356/story.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The speed of the Earth's rotation increased, shortening the day by 1.8 [[microsecond]]s due to the redistribution of Earth's mass.<ref name="day length">{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/13/scitech/main20042590.shtml |title=Earth's day length shortened by Japan earthquake |date=13 March 2011 |publisher=[[CBS News]] |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xA17PHMv?url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/13/scitech/main20042590.shtml |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The axial shift was caused by the redistribution of mass on the Earth's surface, which changed the planet's [[moment of inertia]]. Because of [[conservation of angular momentum]], such changes of [[inertia]] result in small changes to the Earth's rate of rotation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/23degrees/2011/03/can_an_earthquake_shift_the_ea.html |title=Can an earthquake shift the Earth's axis? |last=Harris |first=Bethan |date=14 March 2011 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xC0a1ZWs?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/23degrees/2011/03/can_an_earthquake_shift_the_ea.html |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> These are expected changes<ref name="Chai" /> for an earthquake of this magnitude.<ref name=DW /><ref name="day length" /> The earthquake also generated infrasound waves detected by perturbations in the orbit of the [[GOCE]] satellite, which thus [[Role of chance in scientific discoveries|serendipitously]] became the first seismograph in orbit.<ref name="esa.int"/>
[[Soil liquefaction]] was evident in areas of [[reclaimed land]] around Tokyo, particularly in [[Urayasu, Chiba|Urayasu]],<ref>Fukue, Natsuko, "[https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/03/30/national/liquefaction-driving-away-chiba-residents/ Liquefaction driving away Chiba residents]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 30 March 2012, p. 3.</ref><ref>Fukue, Natsuko, "[https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2011/04/08/national/urayasu-still-dealing-with-liquefaction/ Urayasu still dealing with liquefaction]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 8 April 2011, p. 4. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xrXvNqLX?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110408f3.html |date=11 April 2011 }}</ref> [[Chiba, Chiba|Chiba City]], [[Funabashi, Chiba|Funabashi]], [[Narashino, Chiba|Narashino]] (all in [[Chiba Prefecture]]) and in the [[Koto, Tokyo|Koto]], [[Edogawa, Tokyo|Edogawa]], [[Minato, Tokyo|Minato]], [[Chūō, Tokyo|Chūō]], and [[Ōta, Tokyo|Ōta]] Wards of Tokyo. Approximately 30 homes or buildings were destroyed and 1,046 other buildings were damaged to varying degrees.<ref>''[[Yomiuri Shimbun]]'', "Liquefaction Damage Widespread", 10 April 2011.</ref> Nearby [[Haneda Airport]], built mostly on reclaimed land, was not damaged. [[Odaiba]] also experienced liquefaction, but damage was minimal.<ref>[[Bloomberg L.P.]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110324n2.html Tokyo Disneyland's parking lot shows the risk of reclaimed land]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 24 March 2011, p. 3. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MwHCYB?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110324n2.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[Shinmoedake]], a volcano in [[Kyushu]], erupted three days after the earthquake. The volcano had previously erupted in January 2011; it is not known if the later eruption was linked to the earthquake.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-japan-quake-volcano-20110314,0,2486939.story |title=Volcano in southern Japan erupts |last=Hennessy-Fiske |first=Molly |date=13 March 2011 |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAFMNiQh?url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-japan-quake-volcano-20110314,0,5490141,print.story |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> In [[Antarctica]], the seismic waves from the earthquake were reported to have caused the [[Whillans Ice Stream]] to slip by about {{convert|0.5|m}}.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20245-japan-quake-shifts-antarctic-glacier.html |title=Japan quake shifts Antarctic glacier |last=Ananthaswamy |first=Anil |date=15 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDBTxHjf?url=http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20245-japan-quake-shifts-antarctic-glacier.html |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[File:Shindomap 2011-03-11 Tohoku earthquake.png|thumb|[[Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale|Seismic intensity]] observations resulting from mainshock]]
The first sign international researchers had that the earthquake caused such a dramatic change in the Earth's rotation came from the United States Geological Survey which monitors Global Positioning Satellite stations across the world. The Survey team had several GPS monitors located near the scene of the earthquake. The GPS station located nearest the epicenter moved almost {{convert|4|m|abbr=on}}. This motivated government researchers to look into other ways the earthquake may have had large scale effects on the planet. Calculations at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory determined that the Earth's rotation was changed by the earthquake to the point where the days are now 1.8 [[microsecond]]s shorter.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gross |first=Richard |date=19 March 2011 |title=Japan Earthquake May Have Shifted Earth's Axis |publisher=NPR online |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/03/18/134658880/Japan-Earthquake-May-Have-Changed-Earths-Axis}}</ref>
===Aftershocks===
{{Further|List of foreshocks and aftershocks of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake}}
Japan experienced over 1,000 aftershocks since the earthquake, with 80 registering over magnitude 6.0 M<sub>w</sub> and several of which have been over magnitude 7.0 M<sub>w</sub>.
A magnitude 7.4 M<sub>w</sub> at 15:08 (JST), 7.9 M<sub>w</sub> at 15:15 and a 7.7 M<sub>w</sub> quake at 15:26 all occurred on 11 March.<ref>[https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0002ksa/ Magnitude 7.1 – NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN] {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MxQDPs?url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0002ksa.php |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
A month later, a [[April 2011 Miyagi earthquake|major aftershock]] struck offshore on 7 April with a magnitude of 7.1 M<sub>w</sub>. Its epicenter was underwater, {{convert|66|km|mi|abbr=on}} off the coast of Sendai. The [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] assigned a magnitude of 7.4 M<sub>JMA</sub>, while the [[U.S. Geological Survey]] lowered it to 7.1 M<sub>w</sub>.<ref>{{cite news|last=The CNN Wire Staff |title=Fresh quake triggers tsunami warning in Japan |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/07/japan.quake/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1 |publisher=CNN |accessdate=7 April 2011 |date=8 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xpZoe7C3?url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/07/japan.quake/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1 |archivedate=10 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> At least four people were killed, and electricity was cut off across much of northern Japan including the loss of external power to [[Higashidōri Nuclear Power Plant]] and [[Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/230989/four-dead-as-new-tremor-hits-japan-disaster-zone |title=Four dead as new tremor hits Japan disaster zone |website=Bangkok Post |date=8 April 2011 |accessdate=8 April 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima070411.html Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log], [[IAEA]], 7 April 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aBJR1u?url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima070411.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[[NHK]], "Strong aftershock kills four", 12 April 2011.</ref>
Four days later on 11 April, another [[April 2011 Fukushima earthquake|magnitude 7.1 M<sub>w</sub> aftershock]] struck Fukushima, causing additional damage and killing a total of three people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0002n9v.php |title=Magnitude 6.6 – EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN |publisher=Earthquake.usgs.gov |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014632/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0002n9v.php |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-11/world/japan.quake_1_fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-tsunami-quake |title=At least 6 killed in new Japan earthquake |publisher=[[CNN World News]] |author=CNN Wire Staff |date=11 April 2011 |accessdate=23 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602012159/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-11/world/japan.quake_1_fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-tsunami-quake |archivedate=2 June 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
On 7 December 2012 a [[2012 Kamaishi earthquake|large aftershock of magnitude 7.3 M<sub>w</sub>]] caused a minor tsunami, and again on 26 October 2013 small tsunami waves were recorded after a 7.1 M<sub>w</sub> aftershock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/articles/TKY201310250777.html |script-title=ja:３県で津波観測、注意報を解除 福島沖でＭ７．１：朝日新聞デジタル |publisher=[[Asahi Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=26 October 2013 |accessdate=15 July 2014|language=ja}}</ref>
As of 16 March 2012 aftershocks continued, totaling 1887 events over magnitude 4.0; a regularly updated map showing all shocks of magnitude 4.5 and above near or off the east coast of Honshu in the last seven days<ref>{{cite web |url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Maps/10/140_35.php |title=USGS 10-degree Map Centered at 35°N,140°E of earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or over |publisher=Earthquake.usgs.gov |date=2 December 2009 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014636/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Maps/10/140_35.php |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref> showed over 20 events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/honshu_11mar2011.shtml |title=Tōhoku, Japan 2011 Tsunami |publisher=ngdc.noaa.gov |date= |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref>
{{Asof|2016|3|11}} there had been 869 aftershocks of 5.0 M<sub>w</sub> or greater, 118 of 6.0 M<sub>w</sub> or greater, and 9 over 7.0 M<sub>w</sub> as reported by the Japanese Meteorological Agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/2011_03_11_tohoku/aftershock/|script-title=ja:気象庁｜Ｍ5.0以上の余震回数 |publisher=Japan Meteorological Agency |date= |accessdate=4 November 2016|language=ja}}</ref>
The number of aftershocks was associated with decreased health across Japan.<ref>{{Cite journal|author1=Sugimoto T.|author2= Shinozaki T.|author3=Miyamoto Y.|title= Aftershocks Associated With Impaired Health Caused by the Great East Japan Disaster Among Youth Across Japan: A National Cross-Sectional Survey Interact J Med Res 2013;2(2):e31|journal= Interactive Journal of Medical Research|volume= 2|issue= 2|pages= e31|url=http://www.i-jmr.org/2013/2/e31/ |doi= 10.2196/ijmr.2585|pmid= 24362519|pmc= 3875891|year= 2013}}</ref>
===Earthquake Warning System===
One minute before the earthquake was felt in Tokyo, the [[Earthquake Early Warning (Japan)|Earthquake Early Warning]] system, which includes more than 1,000 [[seismometer]]s in Japan, sent out warnings of impending strong shaking to millions. It is believed that the early warning by the [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] (JMA) saved many lives.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Alert+sounded+minute+before+tremor+struck/4425621/story.html |title=Alert sounded a minute before the tremor struck |last=Foster |first=Peter |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x74xLDTb?url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Alert%20sounded%20minute%20before%20tremor%20struck/4425621/story.html |archivedate=11 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/35090/?p1=A3 |title=80 Seconds of Warning for Tokyo |last=Talbot |first=David |work=MIT Technology Review |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MUGrLQ?url=http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/35090/?p1=A3 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The warning for the general public was delivered about 8 seconds after the first [[P wave]] was detected, or about 31 seconds after the earthquake occurred. However, the estimated intensities were smaller than the actual ones in some places, especially in Kanto, [[Koshinetsu]], and Northern Tōhoku regions where the populace warning did not trigger. According to the JMA {{ill|Meteorological Research Institute|ja|気象研究所}}, reasons for the underestimation include a saturated magnitude scale when using maximum amplitude as input, failure to fully take into account the area of the [[hypocenter]], and the initial amplitude of the earthquake being less than that which would be predicted by an empirical relationship.<ref>干場充之 (2011) [http://www2.jpgu.org/meeting/2011/yokou/MIS036-P67.pdf 経験則からのずれ ―はじめの数秒と強震動：τc, Pd，スペクトル，簡易震源域推定方法―] 日本地球惑星科学連合 2011年 MIS036-P67</ref><ref>[http://www2.jpgu.org/meeting/2011/yokou/MIS036-P66.pdf 緊急地震速報と観測された震度の特徴] JMA {{ill|Meteorological Research Institute|ja|気象研究所}} 日本地球惑星連合 2011年予稿集</ref><ref name="zisin.64.155">干場充之、尾崎友亮：[http://doi.org/10.4294/zisin.64.155 2011年東北地方太平洋沖地震での緊急地震速報と津波警報] 地震 第2輯 Vol.64 (2011–2012) No.3 P155-168</ref>
There were also cases where large differences between estimated intensities by the Earthquake Early Warning system and the actual intensities occurred in the aftershocks and triggered earthquakes. Such discrepancies in the warning were attributed by the JMA to the system's inability to distinguish between two different earthquakes that happened at around same time, as well as to the reduced number of reporting seismometers due to power outages and connection fails.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1103/29a/eew_hyouka.pdf |script-title=ja:報道発表資料平成23年3月29日 |website=Japan Meteorological Agency |year=2011 |accessdate=15 July 2014|language=ja}}</ref> The system's software was subsequently modified to handle this kind of situation.<ref>{{cite press release|title = 緊急地震速報の改善について|publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency|date = 2011-08-10|url =http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1108/10a/eew_kaizen.html|accessdate = 2011-08-10}}</ref>
==Tsunami==
[[File:2011Sendai-NOAA-Energylhvpd9-05.jpg|thumb|[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] tsunami energy map]]
An upthrust of {{convert|6|to|8|m}} along a {{convert|180|km}} wide seabed at {{convert|60|km}} offshore from the east coast of Tōhoku<ref>NHK BS News reported 2011-04-03-02:55 JST</ref> resulted in a major [[tsunami]] that brought destruction along the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] coastline of Japan's northern islands. Thousands of lives were lost and entire towns were devastated. The tsunami propagated throughout the Pacific Ocean region reaching the entire Pacific coast of North and South America from [[Alaska]] to [[Chile]]. Warnings were issued and evacuations were carried out in many countries bordering the Pacific. Although the tsunami affected many of these places, the heights of the waves were minor.<ref name="a2">{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.gov/ptwc/text.php?id=pacific.2011.03.11.073000 |title=Tsunami bulletin number 3 |publisher=Pacific Tsunami Warning Center/NOAA/NWS |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOkrlRB?url=http://www.weather.gov/ptwc/text.php?id=pacific.2011.03.11.073000 |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="a3">{{cite news|author=Wire Staff |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/tsunami.warning/index.html |title=Tsunami warnings issued for at least 20 countries after quake |publisher=CNN |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7ZhqeGg?url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/tsunami.warning/index.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="a4">{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.gov/ptwc/text.php?id=pacific.2011.03.11.103059 |title=PTWC warnings complete list |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOl9IMr?url=http://www.weather.gov/ptwc/text.php?id=pacific.2011.03.11.103059 |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Chile's Pacific coast, one of the furthest from Japan at about {{convert|17,000|km|mi}} away, was struck by waves {{convert|2|m|ft}} high,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapcrow.info/cgi-bin/cities_distance_airpt2.cgi?city3=-1303908%2CD&city4=-367975%2CS |title=Distance between Dichato, Chile and Sendai, Japan is 17228km |publisher=Mapcrow.info |date=23 October 2007 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MyHOLX?url=http://www.mapcrow.info/cgi-bin/cities_distance_airpt2.cgi?city3=-1303908,D&city4=-367975,S |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Attwood |first=James |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-12/chile-maintains-tsunami-warning-no-major-damage-reported-1-.html |title=Chile Lifts Tsunami Alerts After Japan Quake Spawns Waves |publisher=Bloomberg |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9TDnE6z?url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-12/chile-maintains-tsunami-warning-no-major-damage-reported-1-.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |date=12 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.publimetro.cl/nota/mundo/marejadas-ingresaron-entre-70-y-100-metros-en-varias-zonas-del-pais/xIQkcl!9ReTs79Sw66U/ |title=Chilean site: (Tsunami) waves penetrated 70–100 m in different parts of the country |publisher=Publimetro.cl |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8nBYA6I?url=http://www.publimetro.cl/nota/mundo/marejadas-ingresaron-entre-70-y-100-metros-en-varias-zonas-del-pais/xIQkcl!9ReTs79Sw66U/ |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> compared with an estimated wave height of {{convert|38.9|m}} at Omoe peninsula, Miyako city, Japan.<ref name="yomiuri"/>
===Japan===
The [[Tsunami warning system|tsunami warning]] issued by the [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] was the most serious on its warning scale; it was rated as a "major tsunami", being at least {{convert|3|m}} high.<ref>Tsunami Warning System information, ''Japan Meteorological Agency''{{cite web|url=http://www.seisvol.kishou.go.jp/eq/eng/fig/tsunamiinfo.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MyfVnC?url=http://www.seisvol.kishou.go.jp/eq/eng/fig/tsunamiinfo.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The actual height prediction varied, the greatest being for Miyagi at {{convert|6|m}} high.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/info_04_20110311145026.html |title=Tsunami Information (Estimated Tsunami arrival time and Height) |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2Myu8dF?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/info_04_20110311145026.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The tsunami inundated a total area of approximately {{convert|561|km2}} in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gsi.go.jp/common/000059939.pdf | script-title=ja:津波による浸水範囲の面積（概略値）について（第5報）|publisher=Geospatial Information Authority in Japan(国土地理院) |language=Japanese|date=18 April 2011|format=PDF|accessdate=20 June 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110623011856/http://www.gsi.go.jp/common/000059939.pdf| archivedate= 23 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
[[File:2011-Sendai-Tsunami-DART-21413-AB.png|thumb|left|Water column height on 11 March 2011 at [[Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis|DART]] Station, 690 NM southeast of Tokyo]]
The earthquake took place at 14:46 JST (UTC 05:46) around {{convert|67|km|mi}} from the nearest point on Japan's coastline, and initial estimates indicated the tsunami would have taken 10 to 30 minutes to reach the areas first affected, and then areas farther north and south based on the geography of the coastline.<ref>One estimate of 10–15 minutes came from German seismologist Rainer Kind of the [[Helmholtz Research Centre for Geosciences]] in [[Potsdam]], as interviewed in [http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14904863,00.html Japan's tsunami victims only had 15 minutes warning], ''[[Deutsche Welle]]'', 12 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MzHfxC?url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0%2C%2C14904863%2C00.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Another estimate of 15–30 minutes came from Vasily V. Titov, director of the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]'s ]]Center for Tsunami Research]], as reported in [http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/tsunami-hit-japan-struggles-to-reach-survivors-hundreds-dead-91156 Japan tsunami: Toll could rise to more than 1,300], NDTV-hosted copy of an article by Martin Fackler, ''[[The New York Times]]'', 12 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MzspxQ?url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/tsunami-hit-japan-struggles-to-reach-survivors-hundreds-dead-91156 |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> Just over an hour after the earthquake at 15:55 JST, a tsunami was observed flooding [[Sendai Airport]], which is located near the coast of [[Miyagi Prefecture]],<ref name="AVH1">{{cite web|url=http://avherald.com/h?article=43928907&opt=0 |title=News: Tsunami rolls through Pacific, Sendai Airport under water, Tokyo Narita closed, Pacific region airports endangered |publisher=Avherald.com |date=6 July 2001 |accessdate=11 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="10m">{{Cite news|author=Kyodo News |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20110311x4.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026194858/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20110311x4.html|archivedate=26 October 2011|title=10-meter tsunami observed in area near Sendai in Miyagi Pref.|date=11 March 2011|work=[[The Japan Times]] Online |accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref> with waves sweeping away cars and planes and flooding various buildings as they traveled inland.<ref name="nhk-english-stream">{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/r0/high.asx |title=World English |accessdate=12 March 2011 |date=12 March 2011 |publisher=NHK |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N15e9F?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/r0/high.asx |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="heraldsun1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/japan-on-tsunami-alert-after-another-quake/story-e6frf7jo-1226019884379 |title=Japan 8.9-magnitude earthquake sparks massive tsunami |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N2qupV?url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/japan-on-tsunami-alert-after-another-quake/story-e6frf7jo-1226019884379 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The impact of the tsunami in and around Sendai Airport was filmed by an [[NHK]] News helicopter, showing a number of vehicles on local roads trying to escape the approaching wave and being engulfed by it.<ref>NHK News, ~16:00 JST.</ref> A {{convert|4|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tsunami hit [[Iwate Prefecture]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.en.rian.ru/natural/20110311/162955012.html |title=Earthquake, tsunami wreak havoc in Japan |date=11 March 2011 |work=rian.ru |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N3oO2o?url=http://www.en.rian.ru/natural/20110311/162955012.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai|Wakabayashi Ward]] in Sendai was also particularly hard hit.<ref>"Earthquake", ''Japan Times'', 19 March 2011, p. 16.</ref> At least 101 designated tsunami evacuation sites were hit by the wave.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110414a4.html Tsunami hit more than 100 designated evacuation sites]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 14 April 2011, p. 1. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N6jIhi?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110414a4.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Devastation after tsunami in Rikuzentakata.jpg|thumb|right|The city of [[Rikuzentakata, Iwate|Rikuzentakata]], [[Iwate Prefecture]], suffered extensive damage from the tsunami, with almost the entirety of the lower area of the city being destroyed.]]
Like the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]], the damage by surging water, though much more localized, was far more deadly and destructive than the actual quake. Entire towns were destroyed in tsunami-hit areas in Japan, including 9,500 missing in [[Minamisanriku, Miyagi|Minamisanriku]];<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/77165.html |title=9,500 unaccounted for in Miyagi's Minamisanriku: local gov't |agency=Kyodo News |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVaNHwLr?url=http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/77165.html |archivedate=27 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> one thousand bodies had been recovered in the town by 14 March 2011.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110315a2.html 2,000 more added to death toll in Miyagi]", ''Japan Times'', 15 March 2011, p. 1. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xCShPBai?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110315a2.html |date=15 March 2011 }}</ref>
Among several factors causing the high death toll from the tsunami, one was the unexpectedly large size of the water surge. The [[sea wall|tsunami wall]]s in several of the affected cities had been constructed to protect against tsunamis of much lower heights. Also, many people who were caught in the tsunami thought that they were located on high enough ground to be safe.<ref>Watts, Jonathan, "Quake survivors search for hope and shelter", ''Japan Times'', 26 March 2011, p. 13.</ref> According to the conclusions of a special committee on disaster prevention, which had been designated by the Japanese government, the tsunami protection policy had been intended to deal with only those tsunamis that had been scientifically proved to occur repeatedly; the committee therefore advised that in the future the policy should be changed to protect against the highest possible tsunami. Because tsunami walls had been overtopped by this tsunami, the committee also suggested that, besides constructing tsunami walls to a height that can protect against relatively frequent tsunamis, it is still necessary to teach citizens who are protected by tsunami walls how to evacuate if a largest scale tsunami should strike those places.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110619-OYT1T00584.htm|title = 津波、最大想定に対処…防災会議・中間報告骨子|publisher = Yomiuri Shimbun|date = 2011-06-20|accessdate = 2011-08-11|archiveurl=https://archive.fo/20130501062216/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110619-OYT1T00584.htm|archivedate=2013-05-01|dead-url=y}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.bousai.go.jp/kaigirep/chousakai/tohokukyokun/pdf/tyuukan.pdf|title = 東北地方太平洋沖地震を教訓とした地震・津波対策に関する専門調査会中間とりまとめ|publisher = 中央防災会議 「東北地方太平洋沖地震を教訓とした地震・津波対策に関する専門調査会」|format = PDF|date = 2011-06-26|accessdate = 2011-08-11}}</ref>
[[File:SendaiAirportMarch16.jpg|thumb|left|Tsunami flooding on the [[Sendai Airport]] runway]]
Large parts of [[Kuji]] and the southern section of [[Ōfunato]] including the port area were almost entirely destroyed.<ref>Tritten, Travis, J., and T. D. Flack, "[http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/earthquake-disaster-in-japan/u-s-rescue-teams-find-devastation-in-northern-city-of-ofunato-1.137784 U.S. rescue teams find devastation in northern city of Ofunato]", Stars and Stripes (newspaper), 15 March 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDIVD5tm?url=http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/earthquake-disaster-in-japan/u-s-rescue-teams-find-devastation-in-northern-city-of-ofunato-1.137784 |date=15 March 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110312004789.htm |title=Whole towns gone-no cars or people seen |publisher=Yomiuri |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N7iOj8?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110312004789.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Also largely destroyed was [[Rikuzentakata, Iwate|Rikuzentakata]], where the tsunami was three stories high.<ref>Staff Reporter (12 March 2011) [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1365397/Wiped-map-The-moment-apocalyptic-tsunami-waves-drown-sleepy-coast-town.html?ito=feeds-newsxml "Wiped off the map: The moment apocalyptic tsunami waves drown a sleepy coast town"]. www.dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 12 March 2011. {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N8XJ2a?url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1365397/Wiped-map-The-moment-apocalyptic-tsunami-waves-drown-sleepy-coast-town.html?ito=feeds-newsxml |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel/rtlnieuws/buitenland/)/components/actueel/rtlnieuws/2011/03_maart/12/buitenland/honderden-doden-in-japanse-kuststad.xml "Honderden doden in Japanse kuststad (Hundreds dead in Japanese coastal town)" (in Dutch)]. www.rtlnieuws.nl. Retrieved 12 March 2011. {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N8ymQH?url=http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel/rtlnieuws/buitenland/)/components/actueel/rtlnieuws/2011/03_maart/12/buitenland/honderden-doden-in-japanse-kuststad.xml |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Japanarmysays300-400bodiesfoundinRikuzentakata_Report/Article/ |title=Japan army says 300–400 bodies found in Rikuzentakata: Report |publisher=Nst.com.my |date=3 February 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2eWPcEX?url=http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Japanarmysays300-400bodiesfoundinRikuzentakata_Report/Article/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Other cities destroyed or heavily damaged by the tsunami include [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]], [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]], [[Ōtsuchi, Iwate|Ōtsuchi]], and [[Yamada, Iwate|Yamada]] (in Iwate Prefecture), [[Namie, Fukushima|Namie]], [[Sōma, Fukushima|Sōma]], and [[Minamisōma, Fukushima|Minamisōma]] (in Fukushima Prefecture) and [[Shichigahama, Miyagi|Shichigahama]], [[Higashimatsushima, Miyagi|Higashimatsushima]], [[Onagawa, Miyagi|Onagawa]], [[Natori, Miyagi|Natori]], [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi|Ishinomaki]], and [[Kesennuma, Miyagi|Kesennuma]] (in Miyagi Prefecture).<ref>Martin, Alex, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110407f1.html JET post best, not 'pityfest']", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 7 April 2011, p. 3. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xkhJ6kRS?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110407f1.html |date=6 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110318a7.html Miyagi coastal whaling port pulverized, little more than memory]", ''Japan Times'', 18 March 2011, p. 3. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aFTxnf?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110318a7.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "Deaths, people missing set to top 1,600: Edano", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011.</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "Survivors in trauma after life-changing nightmare day", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011, p. 2.</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110314a3.html Death toll may surpass 10,000 in Miyagi]", ''Japan Times'', 14 March 2011, p. 1. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aGCWAy?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110314a3.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Alabaster, Jay, and Todd Pitman, ([[Associated Press]]), "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110315a8.html Hardships, suffering in earthquake zone]", ''Japan Times'', 15 March 2011, p. 3. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aGzEyZ?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110315a8.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Gihooly, Rob, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20110320x1.html 'Nothing can prepare you to witness this'], ''Japan Times'', 20 March 2011, p. 7. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aHpdWK?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20110320x1.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> The most severe effects of the tsunami were felt along a {{convert|670|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} stretch of coastline from [[Erimo, Hokkaido]], in the north to [[Ōarai, Ibaraki]], in the south, with most of the destruction in that area occurring in the hour following the earthquake.<ref>Stuart Biggs and Aaron Sheldrick (11 March 2011). [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-11/tokyo-buildings-shaken-by-7-9-earthquake-highest-tsunami-warning-issued.html Tsunami Slams Japan After Record Earthquake, Killing Hundreds], ''Bloomberg.com''. Retrieved 12 March 2012.</ref> Near Ōarai, people captured images of a huge [[whirlpool]] that had been generated by the tsunami.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8385237/Japan-disaster-30-powerful-images-of-the-earthquake-and-tsunami.html?image=4 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |title=Japan disaster: 30 powerful images of the earthquake and tsunami |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aIu9yT?url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8385237/Japan-disaster-30-powerful-images-of-the-earthquake-and-tsunami.html?image=4 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |date=16 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The tsunami washed away the sole bridge to Miyatojima, Miyagi, isolating the island's 900 residents.<ref>Kyodo News, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110319a5.html Survivors on cut-off isle were ready for disaster]", ''Japan Times'', 19 March 2011, p. 2. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aJdpV4?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110319a5.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> A {{convert|2|m}} high tsunami hit [[Chiba Prefecture]] about 2½ hours after the quake, causing heavy damage to cities such as [[Asahi, Chiba|Asahi]].<ref>Fukue, Natsuko, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110330f1.html Tsunami came late to unprepared Chiba]", ''Japan Times'', 30 March 2011, p. 2. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aKHwIL?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110330f1.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
On 13 March 2011, the [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] (JMA) published details of tsunami observations recorded around the coastline of Japan following the earthquake. These observations included tsunami maximum readings of over {{convert|3|m}} at the following locations and times on 11 March 2011, following the earthquake at 14:46 JST:<ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_04_20110313180559.html Tsunami Information NUMBER 64 (Tsunami Observation)], Japan Meteorological Agency, issued 18:05 JST 13 March 2011, Retrieved 14 March 2011. The Iwate Kamaishi-oki reading was obtained by GPS wave meter.{{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aL5KwV?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_04_20110313180559.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Tsunami map Tohoku2011.svg|thumb|Peak tsunami wave height summits, color-coded with red representing most severe]]
* 15:12 JST – off [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]] – {{convert|6.8|m}}
* 15:15 JST – [[Ōfunato]] – {{convert|3.2|m}} or higher
* 15:20 JST – [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi|Ishinomaki-shi Ayukawa]] – {{convert|3.3|m}} or higher
* 15:21 JST – [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]] – {{convert|4|m}} or higher
* 15:21 JST – [[Kamaishi]] – {{convert|4.1|m}} or higher
* 15:44 JST – [[Erimo, Hokkaido|Erimo-cho Shoya]] – {{convert|3.5|m}}
* 15:50 JST – [[Sōma, Fukushima|Sōma]] – {{convert|7.3|m}} or higher
* 16:52 JST – [[Ōarai]] – {{convert|4.2|m}}
Many areas were also affected by waves of {{convert|1|to|3|m}} in height, and the JMA bulletin also included the caveat that ''"At some parts of the coasts, tsunamis may be higher than those observed at the observation sites."'' The timing of the earliest recorded tsunami maximum readings ranged from 15:12 to 15:21, between 26 and 35 minutes after the earthquake had struck. The bulletin also included initial tsunami observation details, as well as more detailed maps for the coastlines affected by the tsunami waves.<ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_2_04_20110313180559.html Tsunami Information NUMBER 64 (Tsunami Observation)], Japan Meteorological Agency, issued 18:05 JST 13 March 2011, Retrieved 14 March 2011. (Tohoku district.) {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aLTaiJ?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_2_04_20110313180559.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_3_04_20110313180559.html Tsunami Information NUMBER 64 (Tsunami Observation)], Japan Meteorological Agency, issued 18:05 JST 13 March 2011, Retrieved 14 March 2011. (Kanto/Chubu district.) {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aLo8ue?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_3_04_20110313180559.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
JMA also reported offshore tsunami height recorded by [[telemetry]] from [[Mooring (watercraft)|moored]] [[GPS]] wave-height meter buoys as follows:<ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_04_20110313180559.html "Tsunami Information NUMBER 64(Tsunami Observations)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324003200/http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_04_20110313180559.html |date=24 March 2011 }} ''Japan Meteorological Agency''. Retrieved 12 March 2012.</ref>
* offshore of central [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]] ([[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]]) – {{convert|6.3|m}}
* offshore of northern [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]] ([[Kuji]]) – {{convert|6|m}}
* offshore of northern [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]] ([[Kesennuma]]) – {{convert|6|m}}
On 25 March 2011, Port and Airport Research Institute (PARI) reported tsunami height by visiting the port sites as follows:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pari.go.jp/en/files/items/3496/File/20110325.pdf |title=Executive Summary of Urgent Field Survey of Earthquake and Tsunami Disasters by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake |date=25 March 2011 |publisher=Port and Airport Research Institute (PARI) |location=Yokosuka, Japan |accessdate=12 March 2012 |author=行政情報システム室 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6HtqnJI5j?url=http://www.pari.go.jp/en/files/items/3496/File/20110325.pdf |archivedate=6 July 2013 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[File:20110311Houshu.ogv|thumb|[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] animation of the tsunami's propagation]]
* [[Port of Hachinohe]] – {{convert|5–6|m}}
* Port of Hachinohe area – {{convert|8–9|m}}
* Port of [[Kuji, Iwate|Kuji]] – {{convert|8–9|m}}
* Port of [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]] – {{convert|7–9|m}}
* Port of [[Ōfunato, Iwate|Ōfunato]] – {{convert|9.5|m}}
* Run up height, port of [[Ōfunato, Iwate|Ōfunato]] area – {{convert|24|m}}
* Fishery port of [[Onagawa, Miyagi|Onagawa]] – {{convert|15|m}}
* Port of [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi|Ishinomaki]] – {{convert|5|m}}
* Shiogama section of [[Shiogama, Miyagi|Shiogama]]-[[Sendai]] port – {{convert|4|m}}
* Sendai section of Shiogama-Sendai port – {{convert|8|m}}
* [[Sendai Airport]] area – {{convert|12|m}}
The tsunami at Ryōri Bay ({{lang|ja|綾里湾}}), Ōfunato reached a height of {{convert|40.1|m}} (run-up elevation). Fishing equipment was scattered on the high cliff above the bay.<ref name="ofunato">{{cite web|title=Researchers: 30-meter tsunami in Ofunato |url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_03.html |publisher=NHK |accessdate=29 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgge4dkh?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_03.html |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/faq/faq26.html#tsunami_8 日本で一番大きな津波は何ですか？], JMA</ref> At [[Tarō, Iwate]], the tsunami reached a height of {{convert|37.9|m}} up the slope of a mountain some {{convert|200|m}} away from the [[coast]]line.<ref name="38-meter">{{cite news|url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2157227&language=en |agency=Kyodo News |publisher=''Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)'' |date=4 April 2011 |title=38-meter-high tsunami triggered by 11 March quake: survey |accessdate=13 March 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6HtqoCwu3?url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2157227&language=en |archivedate=6 July 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> Also, at the slope of a nearby mountain from {{convert|400|m}} away at Aneyoshi fishery port ({{lang|ja|姉吉漁港}}) of Omoe peninsula ({{lang|ja|重茂半島}}) in [[Miyako, Iwate]], [[Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology]] found estimated tsunami run up height of {{convert|38.9|m}}.<ref name="yomiuri"/> This height is deemed the record in Japan historically, as of reporting date, that exceeds {{convert|38.2|m}} from the [[1896 Meiji-Sanriku earthquake]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://outreach.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/eqvolc/201103_tohoku/#koboriuchi |script-title=ja:宮古市田老小堀内漁港での津波遡上高 |date=3 April 2011 |publisher=[[Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo]] |language=Japanese |trans-title=Tsunami run up height at Miyako city, Taro Koborinai fishing port |accessdate=4 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aNqnv8?url=http://outreach.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/eqvolc/201103_tohoku/#koboriuchi |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> It was also estimated that the tsunami reached heights of up to {{convert|40.5|m}} in Miyako in Tōhoku's Iwate Prefecture. The inundated areas closely matched those of the [[869 Jogan Sanriku earthquake|869 Sanriku tsunami]].<ref>Yoshida, Reiji, "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120311a1.html 869 Tohoku tsunami parallels stun]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 11 March 2012, p. 1.</ref>
A Japanese government study found that 58% of people in coastal areas in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures heeded tsunami warnings immediately after the quake and headed for higher ground. Of those who attempted to evacuate after hearing the warning, only five percent were caught in the tsunami. Of those who didn't heed the warning, 49% were hit by the water.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "42% didn't immediately flee tsunami", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 18 August 2011, p. 2.</ref>
Delayed evacuations in response to the warnings had a number of causes. The tsunami height that had been initially predicted by the [[tsunami warning system]] was lower than the actual tsunami height; this error contributed to the delayed escape of some residents. The discrepancy arose as follows: In order to produce a quick prediction of a tsunami's height and thus to provide a timely warning, the initial earthquake and tsunami warning that was issued for the event was based on a calculation that requires only about 3 minutes. This calculation is, in turn, based on the maximum amplitude of the seismic wave. The amplitude of the seismic wave is measured using the [[:ja:マグニチュード#.E6.B0.97.E8.B1.A1.E5.BA.81.E3.83.9E.E3.82.B0.E3.83.8B.E3.83.81.E3.83.A5.E3.83.BC.E3.83.89 Mj|JMA magnitude scale]], which is similar to [[Richter magnitude scale]]. However, these scales "saturate" for earthquakes that are above a certain magnitude (magnitude 8 on the JMA scale); that is, in the case of very large earthquakes, the scales' values change little despite large differences in the earthquakes' energy. This resulted in an underestimation of the tsunami's height in initial reports. Problems in issuing updates also contributed to delays in evacuations. The warning system was supposed to be updated about 15 minutes after the earthquake occurred, by which time the calculation for the [[moment magnitude scale]] would normally be completed. However, the strong quake had exceeded the measurement limit of all of the [[seismometer#teleseismometer|teleseismometer]]s within Japan, and thus it was impossible to calculate the moment magnitude based on data from those seismometers. Another cause of delayed evacuations was the release of the second update on the tsunami warning long after the earthquake (28 minutes, according to observations); by that time, power failures and similar circumstances reportedly prevented the update from reaching some residents. Also, observed data from tidal meters that were located off the coast were not fully reflected in the second warning. Furthermore, shortly after the earthquake, some wave meters reported a fluctuation of "{{convert|20|cm}}", and this value was broadcast throughout the mass media and the warning system, which caused some residents to underestimate the danger of their situation and even delayed or suspended their evacuation.<ref name="JMA20110912">
{{cite web|url = http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1109/12a/torimatome.pdf|title = 東北地方太平洋沖地震による津波被害を踏まえた津波警報の改善の方向性について（最終とりまとめ）|publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency|format = PDF|date = 2011-09-12|accessdate = 2011-09-14}}</ref><ref name="JMA2013">{{cite web|title = 津波警報の改善について|publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency|url = http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/tsunami/kaizen/|accessdate = 2016-04-01}}</ref>
In response to the aforementioned shortcomings in the tsunami warning system, JMA began an investigation in 2011 and updated their system in 2013. In the updated system, for a powerful earthquake that is capable of causing the JMA magnitude scale to saturate, no quantitative prediction will be released in the initial warning; instead, there will be words that describe the situation's emergency. There are plans to install new teleseismometers with the ability to measure larger earthquakes, which would allow the calculation of a quake's moment magnitude scale in a timely manner. JMA also implemented a simpler empirical method to integrate, into a tsunami warning, data from GPS tidal meters as well as from undersea water pressure meters, and there are plans to install more of these meters and to develop further technology to utilize data observed by them. To prevent under-reporting of tsunami heights, early quantitative observation data that are smaller than the expected amplitude will be overridden and the public will instead be told that the situation is under observation. About 90 seconds after an earthquake, an additional report on the possibility of a tsunami will also be included in observation reports, in order to warn people before the JMA magnitude can be calculated.<ref name="JMA20110912" /><ref name="JMA2013" />
===Elsewhere across the Pacific===
[[File:Midway bonin petrel 2011 tsunami.jpg|thumb|A [[Bonin petrel]] trapped in the sand on [[Midway Atoll]] by the tsunami, before being rescued]]
Shortly after the earthquake, the [[Pacific Tsunami Warning Center]] (PTWC) in Hawaii issued tsunami watches and announcements for locations in the Pacific. At 07:30 UTC, PTWC issued a widespread tsunami warning covering the entire Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117783848.html |title=Evacuate all coastal areas immediately, Hawaii Civil Defense says |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aNwJDv?url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117783848.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/tsunami_msgs/HEBTSUPAC.201103110932 |title=Text of PTWC Pacific-wide tsunami warning |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aPN3r1?url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/tsunami_msgs/HEBTSUPAC.201103110932 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Russia]] evacuated 11,000 residents from coastal areas of the [[Kuril Islands]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Tsunami from Japanese quake prompts evacuation of 11,000 residents on Russia's Pacific islands |url=http://www.1310news.com/news/world/article/195950--tsunami-from-japanese-quake-prompts-evacuation-of-11-000-residents-on-russia-s-pacific-islands |accessdate=13 March 2012 |agency=The Associated Press |publisher=''1310News.com'' |date=11 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314063455/http://www.1310news.com/news/world/article/195950--tsunami-from-japanese-quake-prompts-evacuation-of-11-000-residents-on-russia-s-pacific-islands |archivedate=14 March 2012 |df= }}</ref> The United States [[National Tsunami Warning Center]] issued a tsunami warning for the coastal areas in most of [[California]], all of [[Oregon]], and the western part of [[Alaska]], and a tsunami advisory covering the Pacific coastlines of most of Alaska, and all of [[Washington state|Washington]] and [[British Columbia]], Canada.<ref name="noaa6">{{cite web |title=Tsunami Warning and Advisory No. 7 issued 03/11/2011 at 3:39 am PST |url=http://ntwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/07/messagelhvpd9-07.htm |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aPSHnh?url=http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/07/messagelhvpd9-07.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="bctsunami">{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/03/11/tsunami-warnings-bc.html?ref=rss |title=B.C. tsunami threat passes |publisher=CBC |location=Canada |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aPYw8r?url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/03/11/tsunami-warnings-bc.html?ref=rss |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> In [[California]] and [[Oregon]], up to {{convert|2.4|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tsunami surges hit some areas, damaging docks and harbors and causing over US$10 million in damage.<ref>Helen Jung and Jeff Manning, "Waves bring destruction to Oregon's south coast", ''The Oregonian'', 12 March 2011, p. 1+</ref> In [[Curry County, Oregon]] $7 million in damage occurred including the destruction of {{convert|1100|m}} of docks at the [[Brookings, Oregon|Brookings]] harbor; the county has received over $1 million in [[Federal Emergency Management Agency|FEMA]] emergency grants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ktvz.com/oregon-northwest/28204273/detail.html |title=$1.2M FEMA Tsunami Grant To Ore.'s Curry County – Oregon – Northwest News Story – KTVZ Bend |publisher=Ktvz.com |date=9 July 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014649/http://www.ktvz.com/oregon-northwest/28204273/detail.html |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Surges of up to {{convert|1|m}} hit [[Vancouver Island]] in Canada<ref name="bctsunami" /> prompting some evacuations, and causing boats to be banned from the waters surrounding the island for 12 hours following the wave strike, leaving many island residents in the area without means of getting to work.<ref>[http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/twilight-tsunami-evacuattion/story-fn6cc53j-1226021294350 Twilight tsunami evacuation]. Courier Mail (14 March 2011). Retrieved on 3 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aPvqSQ?url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/twilight-tsunami-evacuattion/story-fn6cc53j-1226021294350 |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Girl, Bowen. (16 March 2011) [http://bowendiaries.blogspot.com/2011/03/japan.html Diary of a Bowen girl: Japan]. Bowendiaries.blogspot.com. Retrieved on 3 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aQqch0?url=http://bowendiaries.blogspot.com/2011/03/japan.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Boats left nearby the 'costanera' for safety in Pichilemu, March 11, 2011.jpg|thumb|left|Fishing boats that were moved to higher ground in anticipation of tsunami arrival, in [[Pichilemu]], Chile]]
In the [[Philippines]], waves up to {{convert|0.5|m}} high hit the eastern seaboard of the country. Some houses along the coast in [[Jayapura, Indonesia]] were destroyed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/03/12/tsunami-destroys-houses-jayapura.html |title=Tsunami destroys houses in Jayapura |website=The Jakarta Post |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8nZ4NKe?url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/03/12/tsunami-destroys-houses-jayapura.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Authorities in [[Wewak]], [[East Sepik]], Papua New Guinea evacuated 100 patients from the city's Boram Hospital before it was hit by the waves, causing an estimated US$4 million in damage.<ref name="abcaus">{{Cite news|title=PNG's Wewak hospital damaged by tsunami waves |url=http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/story.htm?id=38078 |work=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=16 March 2011 |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aR4SvC?url=http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/story.htm?id=38078 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Hawaii estimated damage to public infrastructure alone at US$3 million, with damage to private properties, including resort hotels such as [[Four Seasons Resort Hualalai]], estimated at tens of millions of dollars.<ref name="Hawaii Star 1">Nakaso, Dan (14 March 2011)[http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117965429.html Tsunami damage estimate for Hawaii now tens of millions] ''Star Advertiser''. Retrieved 15 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xCXcRJTq?url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117965429.html |date=15 March 2011 }}</ref> It was reported that a {{convert|1.5|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} wave completely submerged [[Midway Atoll]]'s reef inlets and Spit Island, killing more than 110,000 nesting [[seabirds]] at the [[Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge]].<ref name=cnnmarch19>{{Cite news|title=Tsunami washes away feathered victims west of Hawaii |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/18/tsunami.birds.deaths/?hpt=C2 |publisher=CNN |date=19 March 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aSZldy?url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/18/tsunami.birds.deaths/?hpt=C2 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Some other South Pacific countries, including [[Tonga]] and New Zealand, and U.S. territories [[American Samoa]] and [[Guam]], experienced larger-than-normal waves, but did not report any major damage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117828543.html# |title=South Pacific islands hit by tsunami swells |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aT3dXN?url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117828543.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> However, in Guam some roads were closed off and people were evacuated from low-lying areas.<ref>[http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12303:tsunami-warning-for-guam-pushed-back-to-11-pm&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156 Tsunami Warning For Guam Extended Until 11 p.m]. Pacificnewscenter.com (11 March 2011). Retrieved on 3 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aTpgDk?url=http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D12303:tsunami-warning-for-guam-pushed-back-to-11-pm%26catid%3D45:guam-news%26Itemid%3D156 |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:TsunamiDebrisWatch.JPG|thumb|A sign informing beachgoers about proper tsunami debris disposal procedures at [[Cape Lookout (Oregon)|Cape Lookout State Park]], [[Oregon]], USA]]
Along the Pacific Coast of [[Mexico]] and South America, tsunami surges were reported, but in most places caused little or no damage.<ref name="channelnewsasia1">[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1116127/1/.html Minor damage in Latin America by Japan's tsunami], channelnewsasia.com, 13 March 2011</ref> Peru reported a wave of {{convert|1.5|m}} and more than 300 homes damaged.<ref name="channelnewsasia1" /> The surge in Chile was large enough to damage more than 200 houses,<ref>(Spanish) [https://web.archive.org/web/20110317002502/http://www.ansa.it/ansalatina/notizie/notiziari/chile/20110313183235232122.html Más de 200 casas dañadas dejó seguidilla de olas]. ANSA Latina. 13 March 2011.</ref> with waves of up to {{convert|3|m}}.<ref>(Spanish) [http://www.biobiochile.cl/2011/03/12/caldera-80-viviendas-resultaron-destruidas-en-puerto-viejo-tras-subida-de-mar.shtml Caldera: 80 viviendas resultaron destruidas en Puerto Viejo por efecto de las olas]. Radio Bio-Bio. 3 December 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aVG5Xu?url=http://www.biobiochile.cl/2011/03/12/caldera-80-viviendas-resultaron-destruidas-en-puerto-viejo-tras-subida-de-mar.shtml |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>(Spanish) [http://diario.latercera.com/2011/03/13/01/contenido/otros/12-62305-9-mas-de-200-casas-danadas-dejo-seguidilla-de-olas-que-azotaron-las-costas.shtml Más de 200 casas dañadas dejó seguidilla de olas que azotaron las costas chilenas] La Tercera. 3 December 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aVuHGY?url=http://diario.latercera.com/2011/03/13/01/contenido/otros/12-62305-9-mas-de-200-casas-danadas-dejo-seguidilla-de-olas-que-azotaron-las-costas.shtml |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> In the [[Galápagos Islands]], 260 families received assistance following a {{convert|3|m}} surge which arrived 20 hours after the earthquake, after the tsunami warning had been lifted.<ref name="NBR_88155">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/gareth-morgans-galapagos-hotel-destroyed-tsunami-ck-88155 |title=Gareth Morgan's Galapagos hotel destroyed by tsunami |author=Keall, Chris |date=13 March 2011 |website=[[National Business Review]] |accessdate=15 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDmAc8LQ?url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/gareth-morgans-galapagos-hotel-destroyed-tsunami-ck-88155 |archivedate=16 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Ecuador Sends Aid To Galapagos After Islands Hit By Tsunami From Japan |url=http://latindispatch.com/2011/03/15/ecuador-sends-aid-to-galapagos-after-islands-hit-by-tsunami-from-japan/ |accessdate=17 March 2011 |newspaper=LATIN AMERICA NEWS DISPATCH |date=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aXFEsJ?url=http://latindispatch.com/2011/03/15/ecuador-sends-aid-to-galapagos-after-islands-hit-by-tsunami-from-japan/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> There was a great deal of damage to buildings on the islands and one man was injured but there were no reported fatalities.<ref name="NBR_88155"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110331005038/http://www.galapagos.org/2008/index.php?id=287 Tsunami Aftermath in Galapagos: Update from CDRS' Director Dr. J. Gabriel Lopez]. Galapagos.org. Retrieved on 3 April 2011.</ref>
After a {{convert|2|m}} high surge hit Chile, it was reported that the reflection from those surges traveled ''back'' across the Pacific, causing {{convert|30–60|cm}} surge in Japan, 47–48 hours after the earthquake, according to observation from multiple {{ill|tide station|ja|験潮場}}, including in Onahama, Owase, and Kushimoto.<ref>「津波 太平洋を往復」Nikkei 2014-05-02 Morning News</ref><ref>2014-05-01 {{ill|Japan Geoscience Union|ja|日本地球惑星科学連合}}, {{ill|Meteorological Research Institute|ja|気象研究所}} visiting scholar Masami Okada.</ref>
The tsunami broke [[iceberg]]s off the [[Sulzberger Ice Shelf]] in [[Antarctica]], {{convert|13000|km|mi}} away. The main iceberg measured {{convert|9.5|x|6.5|km|mi}} (approximately the area of [[Manhattan Island]]) and about {{convert|80|m|ft}} thick. A total of {{convert|125|km2|sqmi acre}} of ice broke away.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMV87JTPQG_index_0.html|title=Japan tsunami caused icebergs to break off in Antarctica|publisher=European Space Agency|date=9 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Brunt|first=Kelly M.|author2=Emile A. Okal |author3=Douglas R. MacAyeal|title=Antarctic ice-shelf calving triggered by the Honshu (Japan) earthquake and tsunami, March 2011|journal=Journal of Glaciology |date=1 October 2011|volume=57|issue=205|pages=785–788|url=http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/igsoc/jog/2011/00000057/00000205/art00001|accessdate=13 March 2012|bibcode = 2011JGlac..57..785B |doi = 10.3189/002214311798043681 }} (fee required for full article)</ref>
As of April 2012, wreckage from the tsunami spread around the world, including a [[soccer]] ball which was found in Alaska<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/04/23/MNC51O7MBK.DTL Japan tsunami victim's soccer ball found in Alaska] 24 April 2012. [[Associated Press]]</ref> and a Japanese motorcycle found in British Columbia, Canada.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/05/01/bc-tsunami-motorcycle-owner.html |title=Tsunami motorcycle owner located in Japan |publisher=Cbc.ca |date=1 May 2012 |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref>
==Land subsidence==
[[File:Subsidence in Shin-Urayasu Sta after 2011 Sendai earthquake.JPG|thumb|Land subsidence and soil liquefaction at [[Shin-Urayasu Station]] in [[Urayasu, Chiba]], near [[Tokyo]]]]
The [[Geospatial Information Authority of Japan]] reported land [[subsidence]] based on the height of [[triangulation station]]s in the area measured by [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] as compared to their previous values from 14 April 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsi.go.jp/sokuchikijun/sokuchikijun40003.html |script-title=ja:平成23年(2011年)東北地方太平洋沖地震に伴う地盤沈下調査 |date=14 April 2011 |publisher=[[Geospatial Information Authority of Japan]] |language=Japanese |trans-title=Land subsidence caused by 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami |accessdate=13 March 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aXoLUW?url=http://www.gsi.go.jp/sokuchikijun/sokuchikijun40003.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
* [[Miyako, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.50|m}}
* [[Yamada, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.53|m}}
* [[Ōtsuchi, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.35|m}} <ref name=yumi20110415-p33 />
* [[Kamaishi, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.66|m}}
* [[Ōfunato, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.73|m}}
* [[Rikuzentakata, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.84|m}}
* [[Kesennuma, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.74|m}}
* [[Minamisanriku, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.69|m}}
* [[Oshika Peninsula]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]] – {{convert|1.2|m}}<ref name=yumi20110415-p33>Values announced by [[Geospatial Information Authority of Japan]], news report by [[Yomiuri Shimbun]] 15 April 2011 ver. 13S page 33</ref>
* [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.78|m}}
* [[Higashimatsushima, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.43|m}}
* [[Iwanuma, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.47|m}}
* [[Sōma, Fukushima]] – {{convert|0.29|m}}
Scientists say that the subsidence is permanent. As a result, the communities in question are now more susceptible to flooding during high tides.<ref>Alabaster, Jay (9 May 2011). [http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=13559508#.T1-B58Uu15Y "Quake Shifted Japan; Towns Now Flood at High Tide"], Associated Press, ''[[ABC News]]''. Retrieved 13 March 2012.</ref>
==Casualties==
===Japan===
[[File:Signpost of prayer and wish.JPG|thumb|Memorials amongst the ruins, Natori]]
In Japan, the [[National Police Agency (Japan)|National Police Agency]] has confirmed {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties dead}} {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties injured}} and {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties missing}} across twenty [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]].<ref name="npajproperty"/> In addition, some three thousands extra death have been identified as "earthquake-related death",<ref>[http://www.reconstruction.go.jp/topics/main-cat2/sub-cat2-6/20170630_kanrenshi.pdf 東日本大震災における震災関連死の死者数（平成29年3月31日現在）［平成29年6月30日公表］]</ref><ref>[http://www.reconstruction.go.jp/topics/main-cat2/sub-cat2-6/20140526131634.html 震災関連死の死者数等について]</ref> bringing the total number of death caused by the disaster to 19,575 as of 2017 September.<ref>[http://www.fdma.go.jp/neuter/topics/houdou/h29/09/290908_houdou_1.pdf 平成23年（2011年）東北地方太平洋沖地震（東日本大震災）の被害状況（平成29年9月1日現在）] 2017-09-01, [[Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications]]</ref>
Of the 13,135 fatalities recovered by 11 April 2011, 12,143 or 92.5% died by drowning. Victims aged 60 or older accounted for 65.2% of the deaths, with 24% of total victims being in their 70s.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110421a5.html 90% of disaster casualties drowned]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 21 April 2011, p. 2.</ref> As of March 2012, Japanese police data showed that 70% of the 3,279 still missing were aged 60 or over, all found, including 893 in their 70s and 577 in their 80s. Of the total confirmed victims, 14,308 drowned, 667 were crushed to death or died from internal injuries, and 145 perished from burns.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "70% of missing aged 60 and older", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 8 March 2012, p. 2.</ref>
[[File:2011 Earthquake and Tsunami near Sendai, Japan.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Tsunami damage between Sendai and Sendai Bay]]
"Earthquake-related death" is defined as cases where the earthquake did not directly kill those people, however it act as a contributory factor that indirectly caused their death, for the purpose of relief fund distribution. Some of the most widely reported reason for these deaths include "Physical and mental fatigue caused by life in temporary shelter", "Physical and mental fatigue caused by evacuation", "Delayed treatment due to the inoperative of hospital", "Physical and mental fatigue caused by stress from the earthquake and tsunami". A few cases of suicide are also included. Most of these deaths occurred during the first six months after the earthquake and the number dropped thereafter, but as time has passed, the number has continued to increase. Most of these deaths occurred in Fukushima prefecture, where the prefecture government has suggested that they could be due to evacuations caused by the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]].<ref>[https://nc.chukyo-u.ac.jp/gendaisyakai/kiyou/2014/2014_08_02_08noguchi.pdf ３．11「震災関連死」という問い 福島県の分析を通して] 野口典子</ref> These indirect casualties have already resulted in more deaths than the number of people killed directly by earthquake and tsunami within the Fukushima prefecture.<ref>[https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASDG28HAN_Y5A221C1CR8000/ 福島の震災関連死2000人超す 原発避難の長期化影響 ] 2015-12-28 Nikkei</ref><ref name="Smith">{{cite news |last=Smith|first=Alexander|title=Fukushima evacuation has killed more than earthquake and tsunami, survey says|url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/10/20420833-fukushima-evacuation-has-killed-more-than-earthquake-and-tsunami-survey-says?lite|accessdate=11 September 2013|date=10 September 2013 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131027031039/http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/10/20420833-fukushima-evacuation-has-killed-more-than-earthquake-and-tsunami-survey-says?lite |archivedate= 2013-10-27 |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="mainichi.jp">{{cite news |url=http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130909p2a00m0na009000c.html |title=Stress-induced deaths in Fukushima top those from 2011 natural disasters |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130927033901/http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130909p2a00m0na009000c.html |archivedate= 2013-09-27 |deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref name=manichi>{{cite news |url=http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130909p2a00m0na009000c.html |title=Stress-induced deaths in Fukushima top those from 2011 natural disasters. |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927033901/http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130909p2a00m0na009000c.html |archivedate=27 September 2013 |df=dmy}}</ref>
[[Save the Children]] reports that as many as 100,000 children were uprooted from their homes, some of whom were separated from their families because the earthquake occurred during the school day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/15/japan-earthquake-children-displaced-charity |title=Japan earthquake: 100,000 children displaced, says charity |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=15 March 2011 |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xD8JCtef?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/15/japan-earthquake-children-displaced-charity/print |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> 236 children were orphaned in the prefectures of [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]] and [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]] by the disaster;<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110918a3.html More quake orphan benefits sought]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 18 September 2011, p. 1.</ref><ref>[[Agence France-Presse]]/[[Jiji Press]], "At least 82 children were orphaned by disaster, government says", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 10 April 2011, p. 2.</ref> 1,580 children lost either one or both parents,<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120223f1.html Grandparents stifle grief to raise orphaned boy]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 23 February 2012, p. 3.</ref> 846 in Miyagi, 572 in Iwate, and 162 in Fukushima.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120224f1.html Tōhoku teen feels guilt of being lone survivor]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 24 February 2012, p. 3.</ref> The quake and tsunami killed 378 elementary, middle-school, and high school students and left 158 others missing.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110429a4.html 378 students killed, 158 missing in disaster]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 29 April 2011, p. 2. The victims included 234 elementary, 111 junior high and 191 high school students. Direct quote: "Out of the 378 students confirmed dead, 273 were in Miyagi, 59 in Fukushima and 46 in Iwate. The list of missing students is made up of 74 in Miyagi, 52 in Iwate and 32 in Fukushima." As of 25 December 2011, 342 elementary and junior high school students were declared dead or missing ([[Kyodo News]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111225a8.html 3/11 tsunami killed 35% of students 'saved' by parents]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 25 December 2011, p. 2.)</ref> One elementary school in [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi]], Okawa Elementary, lost 74 of 108 students and 10 of 13 teachers and staff.<ref>[[Associated Press]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110419f1.html Loss-staggered school reopens] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514084752/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110419f1.html |date=14 May 2011 }}", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 19 April 2011, p. 3.</ref><ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110422a7.html Loss-hit Ishinomaki school opens]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 22 April 2011, p. 2.</ref><ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110429a1.html School that lost 70% of its pupils mourns] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502025707/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110429a1.html |date=2 May 2011 }}", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 29 April 2011, p. 1.</ref>
The Japanese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the deaths of nineteen foreigners.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-confirms-death-of-19-foreigners-in-march-11-quake-tsunami |title=Japan confirms death of 19 foreigners in March 11 quake, tsunami |date=5 April 2011 |agency=Kyodo News |accessdate=7 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xmGEK8uK?url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-confirms-death-of-19-foreigners-in-march-11-quake-tsunami |archivedate=7 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Among them are two English teachers from the United States affiliated with the [[JET Programme|Japan Exchange and Teaching Program]];<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/06/japan.american.death/index.html |title=Body of second American found in Japan |date=7 April 2011 |publisher=CNN |accessdate=7 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xmGLLVuj?url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/06/japan.american.death/index.html |archivedate=7 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> a Canadian missionary in [[Shiogama, Miyagi|Shiogama]];<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Quebec+priest+killed+Japanese+tsunami/4432920/story.html |title=Quebec priest killed in Japanese tsunami |date=13 March 2011 |work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]] |accessdate=7 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xmGRgwnS?url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Quebec%20priest%20killed%20Japanese%20tsunami/4432920/story.html |archivedate=7 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> and citizens of China, North and South Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan and the Philippines.
By 9:30 UTC on 11 March, [[Google Person Finder]], which was previously used in the [[2010 Haiti earthquake|Haitian]], [[2010 Chile earthquake|Chilean]], and [[2011 Christchurch earthquake|Christchurch, New Zealand]] earthquakes, was collecting information about survivors and their locations.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pcworld.in/news/google-person-finder-japan-earthquaketsunami-launched-46662011 |title=Google Person Finder for Japan Earthquake/Tsunami launched |last=Shinde |first=Jayesh |date=11 March 2011 |work=[[PC World]] |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aZEQnI?url=http://www.pcworld.in/news/google-person-finder-japan-earthquaketsunami-launched-46662011 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Person finder |edition=Japan |url=http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en |publisher=Appspot |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7H1r1tA?url=http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[Japanese funeral]]s are normally elaborate Buddhist ceremonies that entail cremation. The thousands of bodies, however, exceeded the capacity of available [[crematorium]]s and [[morgue]]s, many of them damaged,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html?pagewanted=all |title=As Tsunami Robbed Life, It Also Robs Rite of Death |last=Wines |first=Michael |date=23 March 2011 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=11 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xrN1uEXO?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html |archivedate=11 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="nishikawa20110323">{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE72M1JF20110323?sp=true |title=Quake-ravaged Japan digs mass graves |accessdate=27 March 2011 |author=Nishikawa, Yoko |date=23 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aZoQnL?url=http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE72M1JF20110323?sp=true |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and there were shortages of both kerosene—each cremation requires 50 litres—and [[dry ice]] for preservation.<ref name="allen20110324">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8398419/Japan-earthquake-country-begins-burying-dead-in-mass-graves.html |title=Japan earthquake: country begins burying dead in mass graves |accessdate=27 March 2011 |author=Allen, Nick |date=24 March 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aa3auN?url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8398419/Japan-earthquake-country-begins-burying-dead-in-mass-graves.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The single crematorium in [[Higashimatsushima, Miyagi|Higashimatsushima]], for example, could only handle four bodies a day, although hundreds were found there.<ref name="wines20110324">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html?src=me&pagewanted=all|title=As Tsunami Robbed Life, It Also Robs Rite of Death|accessdate=27 March 2011|author=Wines, Michael|date=24 March 2011|work=The New York Times|pages=A12| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120425060434/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html?src=me&pagewanted=all| archivedate=25 April 2012| deadurl= no}}</ref> Governments and the military were forced to bury many bodies in hastily dug [[mass grave]]s with rudimentary or no rites, although relatives of the deceased were promised that they would be cremated later.<ref name="ap20110327">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/03/27/world/asia/AP-AS-Japan-Earthquake-Burials.html?hp|title=Burials in Quake-Hit Towns Deepen Japan's Tragedy|accessdate=27 March 2011|agency=Associated Press|work=The New York Times|date=27 March 2011}}</ref>
Noted individual fatalities within Japan included 103-year-old [[Takashi Shimokawara]], holder of the world athletics records in the men's shot put, discus throw and javelin throw for the over-100s age category. He was killed by the earthquake and tsunami at [[Kamaishi, Iwate]].<ref>[http://www.iaaf.org/aboutiaaf/news/newsid=59653.html "Takashi Shimokawara, 104, a victim of Japanese tsunami"], [[International Association of Athletics Federations]], 30 March 2011</ref>
As of 27 May 2011, three [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] members had died while conducting relief operations in Tōhoku.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "GSDF member dies during relief", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 28 May 2011, p. 2.</ref> As of March 2012, the Japanese government had recognized 1,331 deaths as indirectly related to the earthquake, such as caused by harsh living conditions after the disaster.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120304a3.html Illness, suicides drive up disaster-linked toll]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 4 March 2012, p. 2.</ref> As of 30 April 2012, 18 people had died and 420 had been injured while participating in disaster recovery or clean-up efforts.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120606a2.html Disaster reconstruction work has claimed 18 lives so far]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 6 June 2012, p. 1</ref>
===Overseas===
The tsunami is reported to have caused several deaths outside Japan. One man was killed in [[Jayapura]], [[Papua (province)|Papua]], Indonesia after being swept out to sea.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/japan-tsunami-strikes-indonesia-one-confirmed-dead/428545 |title=Japan Tsunami Strikes Indonesia, One Confirmed Dead |date=12 March 2011 |work=Jakarta Globe |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8fAm8XA?url=http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/japan-tsunami-strikes-indonesia-one-confirmed-dead/428545 |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> A man who is said to have been attempting to photograph the oncoming tsunami at the mouth of the [[Klamath River]], south of [[Crescent City, California]], was swept out to sea.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/rss/kswb-california-tsunami-death-norcal-man-drowns-trying-to-photograph-tsunami-20110311,0,7429447.story?track=rss |title=California tsunami death: NorCal man drowns trying to photograph tsunami – KSWB |publisher=Fox5sandiego.com |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2abuKBA?url=http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/rss/kswb-california-tsunami-death-norcal-man-drowns-trying-to-photograph-tsunami-20110311,0,7429447.story?track=rss |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}<br/>{{cite news|last=Associated Press |title=Man swept out to sea by tsunami was Bend native |work=The Oregonian |accessdate=27 March 2011 |date=13 March 2011 |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/03/oregon_coast_tsunami_dustin_weber.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xD7NuM1U?url=http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/03/oregon_coast_tsunami_dustin_weber.html |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}<br/>{{cite news|title=Klamath tsunami victim identified; search comes up empty |work=The Times-Standard |location=Eureka, CA |accessdate=27 March 2011 |date=13 March 2011 |url=http://www.times-standard.com/ci_17605586?source=most_viewed |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2acvxkv?url=http://www.times-standard.com/ci_17605586?source=most_viewed |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> His body was found on 2 April along Ocean Beach in [[Fort Stevens State Park]], Oregon, {{convert|330|mi|km}} to the north.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wireupdate.com/wires/16604/body-found-in-oregon-identified-as-missing-tsunami-victim/ |title=Body found in Oregon identified as missing tsunami victim |publisher=[[BNO News]] |accessdate=12 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414005117/http://wireupdate.com/wires/16604/body-found-in-oregon-identified-as-missing-tsunami-victim/ |archivedate=14 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}<br/>[http://www.koinlocal6.com/news/local/story/Tsunami-victim-remains-wash-ashore-near-Fort/S2ii-Y--j0WNKCAEV0tzcA.cspx Tsunami victim remains wash ashore near Fort Stevens]. Koinlocal6.com (12 March 2011). Retrieved on 2 May 2011.<br/>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=12 April 2011 |title=Body of Calif. man killed by tsunami washes up |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/body-of-calif-man-killed-by-tsunami-washes-up/ |work=CBS News |location= |access-date=3 July 2018 }}</ref>
==Damage and effects==
[[File:Distant view of Rikuzentakata.jpg|thumb|Panorama of the Hirota Peninsula in Rikuzentakata swept away]]
[[File:US Navy 110318-M-HU778-007 An aerial view of Ishinomaki, Japan, a week after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the area.jpg|thumb|Aerial photo of Minato, devastated by both the earthquake and subsequent tsunami]]
The degree and extent of damage caused by the earthquake and resulting tsunami were enormous, with most of the damage being caused by the tsunami. Video footage of the towns that were worst affected shows little more than piles of rubble, with almost no parts of any structures left standing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12727879 |title=film shown by BBC showing only rubble where there were buildings |publisher=BBC News |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAQ38xIo?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12727879 |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Estimates of the cost of the damage range well into the tens of billions of [[US dollars]]; before-and-after [[satellite]] photographs of devastated regions show immense damage to many regions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://picasaweb.google.com/118079222830783600944/Japan# |title=Before-and-after satellite photographs of devastated regions |accessdate=14 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110313104733/https://picasaweb.google.com/118079222830783600944/Japan| archivedate= 13 March 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12731781 |title=animated images showing undamaged places become damaged |publisher=BBC |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xBrp84HO?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12731781 |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Although Japan has invested the equivalent of billions of dollars on anti-tsunami seawalls which line at least 40% of its 34,751 km (21,593 mi) coastline and stand up to 12 m (39 ft) high, the tsunami simply washed over the top of some seawalls, collapsing some in the process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14seawalls.html|title=Seawalls Offered Little Protection Against Tsunami's Crushing Waves|last=Onishi|first=Norimitsu|work=The New York Times |date=13 March 2011|accessdate=15 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110314181214/http://www.nytimes.com//2011//03//14//world//asia//14seawalls.html| archivedate= 14 March 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
[[File:Effect of 2011 Sendai earthquake in Tokyo (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|A fire which broke out in [[Tokyo]] after the earthquake]]
Japan's [[National Police Agency (Japan)|National Police Agency]] said on 3 April 2011, that 45,700 buildings were destroyed and 144,300 were damaged by the quake and tsunami. The damaged buildings included 29,500 structures in Miyagi Prefecture, 12,500 in Iwate Prefecture and 2,400 in Fukushima Prefecture.<ref>''[[NHK]]'', "190,000 buildings damaged by 11 March quake", 3 April 2011.</ref> Three hundred hospitals with 20 beds or more in Tōhoku were damaged by the disaster, with 11 being completely destroyed.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110609a1.html Fishermen to Tepco: Don't release water]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 9 June 2011, p. 1.</ref> The earthquake and tsunami created an estimated 24–25 million tons of rubble and debris in Japan.<ref>[[Agence France-Presse]]/[[Jiji Press]], "Radiation, legalities complicate cleanup efforts", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 9 April 2011, p. 2.</ref><ref>Kamiya, Setsuko, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110630f1.html Debris removal, recycling daunting, piecemeal labor]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 30 June 2011, p. 3.</ref>
An estimated 230,000 automobiles and trucks were damaged or destroyed in the disaster. As of the end of May 2011, residents of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures had requested deregistration of 15,000 vehicles, meaning that the owners of those vehicles were writing them off as unrepairable or unsalvageable.<ref>Kyodo News, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110616a4.html Applications to deregister cars lost in tsunami soar], ''[[Japan Times]]'', 16 June 2011, p. 1.</ref>
===Ports===
[[File:Ship on the port CROP.jpg|thumb|Ship and crane damage at Sendai port]]
All of Japan's ports were briefly shut down after the earthquake, though the ones in Tokyo and southwards soon re-opened. Fifteen ports were located in the disaster zone. The north eastern ports of Hachinohe, Sendai, Ishinomaki and Onahama were destroyed, while the [[Port of Chiba]] (which serves the hydrocarbon industry) and Japan's ninth-largest container port at [[Kashima, Ibaraki|Kashima]] were also affected, though less severely. The ports at Hitachinaka, Hitachi, Soma, Shiogama, Kesennuma, Ofunato, Kamashi and Miyako were also damaged and closed to ships.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Status of Japanese ports 5 days after devastating quake and tsunami |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/309623/status-japanese-ports-5-days-after-devastating-quake-and-tsunami |agency=Reuters |date=15 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aqWCrE?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/309623/status-japanese-ports-5-days-after-devastating-quake-and-tsunami |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> All 15 ports reopened to limited ship traffic by 29 March 2011.<ref name="autogenerated1">''[[Nihon Keizai Shimbun]]'', "90 percent of major transport networks back in operation", 29 March 2011.</ref> A total of 319 fishing ports, about 10% of Japan's fishing ports, were damaged in the disaster.<ref>Fukada, Takahiro, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110921f1.html Iwate fisheries continue struggle to recover]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 21 September 2011, p. 3.</ref> Most were restored to operating condition by 18 April 2012.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120526a7.html Most disaster-hit fish ports back up]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 26 May 2012, p. 2</ref>
The [[Port of Tokyo]] suffered slight damage; the effects of the quake included visible smoke rising from a building in the port with parts of the port areas being flooded, including [[soil liquefaction]] in [[Tokyo Disneyland]]'s parking lot.<ref name="CNA0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1115810/1/.html|title=Tokyo Disneyland hit by liquefaction after quake|date=11 March 2011|publisher=[[MediaCorp Channel NewsAsia]]|accessdate=11 March 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="CNA1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1115777/1/.html|title=Japan issues top tsunami warning after major quake|date=11 March 2011|publisher=MediaCorp Channel NewsAsia|accessdate=11 March 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
===Dams and water problems===
[[File:Fujinuma Dam failure.JPG|thumb|Dam failure at Fujinuma]]
{{Update|section|date=March 2013}}The [[Fujinuma Dam|Fujinuma irrigation dam]] in [[Sukagawa]] ruptured,<ref name="The Gulf Today">{{Cite news|url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/067b285e-6644-4460-b882-f3e809f3b3e7.aspx |title=Japan's Afternoon of Horror |date=12 March 2011 |work=[[The Gulf Today]] |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xA4lpQXu?url=http://gulftoday.ae.nyud.net/portal/067b285e-6644-4460-b882-f3e809f3b3e7.aspx |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> causing flooding and washing away five homes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dam Breaks In Northeast Japan, Washes Away Homes |url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/166581/reftab/149/t/Dam-breaks-in-northeast-Japan-washes-away-homes/Default.aspx |publisher=''Arab Times Online'' |accessdate=13 March 2012 |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2as1TVM?url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/166581/reftab/149/t/Dam-breaks-in-northeast-Japan-washes-away-homes/Default.aspx |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Eight people were missing and four bodies were discovered by the morning.<ref>{{cite web|last=Azuma |first=Kita |title=Pacific Ocean coast Earthquake |url=http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110312/dst11031205010058-n1.htm |publisher=MSN |accessdate=14 March 2011 |language=Japanese |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2asdQuY?url=http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110312/dst11031205010058-n1.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ダム決壊 ５棟流出 福島・須賀川 |url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?q=cache%3AUHJQVlLqrmAJ%3Ajyoho.kahoku.co.jp%2Fmember%2Fbacknum%2Fnews%2F2011%2F03%2F20110313t63033.htm |publisher=Fukushima News |accessdate=14 March 2011 |language=Japanese |date=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVc4ZWPh?url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?q=cache%3AUHJQVlLqrmAJ%3Ajyoho.kahoku.co.jp%2Fmember%2Fbacknum%2Fnews%2F2011%2F03%2F20110313t63033.htm |archivedate=28 March 2011 |deadurl= yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/76945.html |title=Death toll from powerful Japan quake likely to top 1,000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602012213/http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/76945.html |archivedate= June 2, 2011 |deadurl=yes |accessdate= May 6, 2018}}</ref> Reportedly, some locals had attempted to repair leaks in the dam before it completely [[Dam failure|failed]].<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ダム決壊 8人が行方不明 須賀川・藤沼ルポ |url=http://www.kahoku.co.jp/news/2011/03/20110312t63012.htm |publisher=Fukushima News |language=Japanese |accessdate=14 March 2011 |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVcpnmX5?url=http://yamba-net.org/modules/news/index.php?page=article&storyid=1191 |archivedate=28 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> On 12 March 252 dams were inspected and it was discovered that six [[embankment dam]]s had shallow cracks on their crests. The reservoir at one concrete [[gravity dam]] suffered a small non-serious [[Slope stability|slope failure]]. All damaged dams are functioning with no problems. Four dams within the quake area were unreachable. When the roads clear, experts will be dispatched to conduct further investigations.<ref>{{cite web|title=A quick report on Japanese Dams after the Earthquake |url=http://www.chincold.org.cn/dams/NewsEvents/webinfo/2011/03/1299639147955756.htm |publisher=Chinese National Committee on Large Dams |accessdate=15 March 2011 |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2au93PH?url=http://www.chincold.org.cn/dams/NewsEvents/webinfo/2011/03/1299639147955756.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
In the immediate aftermath of the calamity, at least 1.5 million households were reported to have lost access to water supplies.<ref name="waterfoodheat" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/9010969/quake-hit-japan-battles-to-avert-radiation-leak/ |title=Quake-hit Japan battles to avert radiation leak |last=Uranaka |first=Taiga |author2=Kwon, Ki Joon |date=14 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xCDDo9CW?url=http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/9010969/quake-hit-japan-battles-to-avert-radiation-leak/ |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> By 21 March 2011, this number fell to 1.04 million.<ref name="Reuters figures"/>
===Electricity===
[[File:Power Grid of Japan.svg|thumb|Geographic divide between 50 hertz systems and 60 hertz systems in Japan's electricity distribution network]]
According to the Japanese trade ministry, around 4.4 million households served by [[Tōhoku Electric Power]] (TEP) in northeastern Japan were left without electricity.<ref>Inajima, Tsuyoshi; Okada, Yuji (11 March 2011) [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-11/cosmo-oil-refinery-set-on-fire-nuclear-power-reactors-shut-by-earthquake.html "Japanese Quake Forces Evacuation Near Nuclear Reactor; Oil Refinery Burns"], ''Bloomberg.com''. Retrieved 13 March 2012.</ref> Several nuclear and conventional power plants went offline after the earthquake, reducing TEPCO's total capacity by 21 GW.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110330a4.html Utilities' monopoly on power backfires]", ''Japan Times'', 30 March 2011, p. 2. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xYWkB4x0?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110330a4.html |date=29 March 2011 }}</ref> [[Rolling blackout]]s began on 14 March due to power shortages caused by the earthquake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110313D13JFF08.htm |date=14 March 2011 |title=Power Outage To Deal Further Blows To Industrial Output |publisher=Nikkei.com |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2avomCu?url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110313D13JFF08.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[Tokyo Electric Power Company]] (TEPCO), which normally provides approximately 40 [[Gigawatt|GW]] of electricity, announced that it could only provide about 30 GW. This was because 40% of the electricity used in the greater Tokyo area was supplied by reactors in the [[Niigata Prefecture|Niigata]] and [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]] prefectures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tepco.co.jp/index-j.html |title=東京電力ホームページ – エネルギーの最適サービスを通じてゆたかで快適な環境の実現に貢献します – |publisher=Tokyo Electric Power Company |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7Zam5R8?url=http://www.tepco.co.jp/index-j.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The reactors at the [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Daiichi]] and [[Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Dai-ni]] plants were automatically taken offline when the first earthquake occurred and sustained major damage related to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Rolling blackouts of approximately three hours were experienced throughout April and May while TEPCO scrambled to find a temporary power solution. The blackouts affected Tokyo, [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]], Eastern [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]], [[Yamanashi Prefecture|Yamanashi]], [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]], [[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]], and [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]] prefectures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/general/news/f-gn-tp0-20110313-748042.html |title=News |publisher=Nikkan Sports |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xA8payah?url=http://www.nikkansports.com/general/news/f-gn-tp0-20110313-748042.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Voluntary reduced electricity use by consumers in the Kanto area helped reduce the predicted frequency and duration of the blackouts.<ref>Joe, Melinda, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fs20110317a3.html Kanto area works on energy conservation]", ''Japan Times'', 17 March 2011, p. 11. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2awhmjE?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fs20110317a3.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> By 21 March 2011, the number of households in the north without electricity fell to 242,927.<ref name="Reuters figures">{{cite news |last=Nomiyama |first=Chiz |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/21/us-japan-quake-numbers-idUSTRE72K0YJ20110321 |title=Factbox: Japan disaster in figures |date=21 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=21 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xLOSexvL?url=http://www.reuters.com/assets/print?aid=USTRE72K0YJ20110321 |archivedate=21 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[File:Devastation in Minamisōma after tsunami.jpg|thumb|left|Damage to electricity transmission lines]]
Tōhoku Electric Power was not able to provide the Kanto region with additional power, because TEP's power plants were also damaged in the earthquake. [[Kansai Electric Power Company]] (Kepco) cannot share electricity, because its system operates at 60 hertz, whereas TEPCO and TEP operate their systems at 50 hertz; this is due to early industrial and infrastructure development in the 1880s that left Japan without a unified national [[power grid]].<ref>[http://www.itworld.com/business/140626/legacy-1800s-leaves-tokyo-facing-blackouts A legacy from the 1800s leaves Tokyo facing blackouts], ITworld, 18 March 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ayU8pa?url=http://www.itworld.com/business/140626/legacy-1800s-leaves-tokyo-facing-blackouts |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> Two substations, one in Shizuoka Prefecture and one in Nagano Prefecture, were able to convert between frequencies and transfer electricity from Kansai to Kanto and Tōhoku, but their capacity to do so is limited to 1 GW. With the damage to so many power plants, it may be years before a long-term solution can be found.<ref>Hongo, Jun, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110316a6.html One certainty in the crisis: Power will be at a premium]", ''Japan Times'', 16 March 2011, p. 2. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2azM8h6?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110316a6.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
In an effort to help alleviate the shortage, three steel manufacturers in the Kanto region contributed electricity produced by their in-house conventional power stations to TEPCO for distribution to the general public. [[Sumitomo Metal Industries]] could produce up to 500 MW, [[JFE Holdings|JFE Steel]] 400 MW, and [[Nippon Steel]] 500 MW of electric power<ref>''NHK'', "Steel makers provide TEPCO with electricity", 27 March 2011.</ref> Auto and auto parts makers in Kanto and Tōhoku agreed in May 2011 to operate their factories on Saturdays and Sundays and close on Thursdays and Fridays to assist in alleviating the electricity shortage during the summer of 2011.<ref>Nakata, Hiroko, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20110520a1.html Auto industry agrees to adopt weekend work shifts]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 20 May 2011, p. 1.</ref> Additionally, the public and other companies were also encouraged to conserve electricity in the 2011 summer months ([[Setsuden]]).<ref>Rubin, Jeffrey [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-rubin/setsuden-japan-nuclear-free_b_916123.html "Setsuden Poised to Replace Nuclear Power in Japan "]"[[The Huffington Post]]", 4 August 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2011</ref>
The expected electricity crisis in 2011 summer have been successfully prevented thanks to all the ''setsuden'' measures, peak electricity consumption recorded by TEPCO during the period was 49.22GW, which is 10.77GW (18%) lower than the peak consumption in the previous year. The overall electricity consumption during the entire July and August was also 14% less than the previous year.<ref>[http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/index-j.html 節電について],
[http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/pdf/index01-j.pdf 今夏の電力需給状況について] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027042708/http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/pdf/index01-j.pdf |date=27 October 2011 }}, [http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/pdf/index02-j.pdf 最大電力の動向] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027050021/http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/pdf/index02-j.pdf |date=27 October 2011 }} TEPCO, Access Date: October 9, 2011</ref> The peak electricity consumption within TEP's area was 12.46GW during the 2011 summer, 3.11GW (20%) less than the peak consumption in the previous year, and the overall consumption have been reduced by 11% in July with 17% in August compared to previous year.<ref>[http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/supply/1183476_1068.html 7月分の電力需給実績について] TEP, August 26, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/supply/1183523_1068.html 8月分の電力需給実績について] TEP, September 28, 2011</ref><ref name="TohokuSepMonthlyPress">[http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/press/1183530_1067.html 9月定例社長記者会見概要] TEP, September 10, 2011</ref> Japanese government continue to ask the public to conserve electricity for several years until year 2016, when it predicted that the supply will be sufficient to meet demand, thanks to the deepening of the mindset to conserve electricity among corporate and general public, addition of new electricity providers due to the [[energy liberalization|electricity liberalization]] policy, increased output from renewable energy as well as fossil fuel power stations, as well as sharing of electricity between different electricity companies.<ref>[http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASFS13H0X_T10C16A5EAF000/ 政府、今夏は節電要請せず 東日本大震災後初] Nikkei, May 13, 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASDZ28H0I_Y6A620C1000000/ 「節電なし」初の夏が来る 窮地を救う省・再・新] Nikkei, June 28, 2016</ref><ref>[https://mainichi.jp/articles/20170422/k00/00m/020/066000c/ 今夏の節電要請見送り 安定的な供給可能] Mainichi Shimbun, May 21, 2017</ref>
===Oil, gas and coal===
[[File:Cosmo Oil explosion 2 20110311CROP.jpg|thumb|upright|Fire at the Cosmo Oil refinery in [[Ichihara, Chiba|Ichihara]]]]
A {{convert|220000|oilbbl|m3|adj=on}}-per-day<ref name="Fernandez" /> [[oil refinery]] of [[Cosmo Oil Company]] was set on fire by the quake at [[Ichihara, Chiba|Ichihara]], [[Chiba Prefecture]], to the east of Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pennenergy.com/index/petroleum/display.0223973745.articles.oil-gas-journal.general-interest-2.20100.march-2011.after-8_9_quake__explosion.html |author=Watkins, Eric |date=11 March 2011|title=After 8.9 quake, explosion hits pchem complex in Japan |website=Oil & Gas Journal |publisher=PennEnergy.com |accessdate=13 March 2012}}</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8375497/Japan-earthquake-causes-oil-refinery-inferno.html Japan earthquake causes oil refinery inferno] Daily Telegraph, London, 11 March 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b03qod?url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8375497/Japan-earthquake-causes-oil-refinery-inferno.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> It was extinguished after ten days, injuring six people, and destroying storage tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cosmo-oil.co.jp/eng/information/110321/index.html |title=LPG Tanks Fire Extinguished at Chiba Refinery (5th Update) | COSMO OIL Co., Ltd |publisher=Cosmo-oil.co.jp |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014808/http://www.cosmo-oil.co.jp/eng/information/110321/index.html| archivedate= 28 July 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> Others halted production due to safety checks and power loss.<ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu=yes&id=743808&print=yes Fires, safety checks take out Japanese refineries] ''Argus Media'', 14 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b0aaXB?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu%3Dyes%26id%3D743808%26print%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu=yes&id=743987&print=yes Japanese refiners try to offset shortages] ''Argus Media'', 15 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b0iREU?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu%3Dyes%26id%3D743987%26print%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
In Sendai, a {{convert|145000|oilbbl|m3|adj=on}}-per-day refinery owned by the largest refiner in Japan, [[Nippon Oil|JX Nippon Oil & Energy]], was also set ablaze by the quake.<ref name="Fernandez">{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/14/us-japan-commodities-idUSTRE72D1X320110314 |title=Japan's shipping, energy sectors begin march back from quake |last=Fernandez |first=Clarence |date=14 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAvhzbD4?url=http://www.reuters.com/assets/print?aid=USTRE72D1X320110314 |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Workers were evacuated,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/12/refinery-operations-jx-fire-idUSTKG00706520110312 |title=JX refinery fire seen originated from shipping facility |last=Tsukimori |first=Osamu |author2=Negishi, Mayumi |date=11 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAvN97ku?url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/12/refinery-operations-jx-fire-idUSTKG00706520110312 |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> but tsunami warnings hindered efforts to extinguish the fire until 14 March, when officials planned to do so.<ref name="Fernandez" />
An analyst estimates that consumption of various types of oil may increase by as much as {{convert|300000|oilbbl|m3}} per day (as well as LNG), as back-up power plants burning [[fossil fuel]]s try to compensate for the loss of 11 GW of Japan's nuclear power capacity.<ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu=yes&id=744156&print=yes Analysis – Oil markets adjust to Japan's disaster] ''Argus Media'', 16 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b0piZR?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu%3Dyes%26id%3D744156%26print%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu=yes&id=744031&print=yes Japan quake begins to impact LNG trade] ''Argus Media'', 15 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b0y0Z5?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu%3Dyes%26id%3D744031%26print%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
The city-owned plant for importing [[liquefied natural gas]] in Sendai was severely damaged, and supplies were halted for at least a month.<ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?id=744173&menu=yes Tsunami Disaster: "Japan's Sendai says LNG Infrastructure Badly Damaged"] ''Argus Media'', 16 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b15FJ5?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?id%3D744173%26menu%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
In addition to refining and storage, several power plants were damaged. These include Sendai #4, New-Sendai #1 and #2, Haranomachi #1 and #2, Hirono #2 and #4 and Hitachinaka #1.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://eneken.ieej.or.jp/en/jeb/1103.pdf |journal=Japan Energy Brief |title=Eastern Japan paralyzed by unprecedented earthquake |issue=12 |date=March 2011 |editor1-first=Kensuke |editor1-last=Kanekiyo |editor2-first=Akira |editor2-last=Ishimura |accessdate=15 July 2014}}</ref>
===Nuclear power plants===
{{Further|Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster}}
The [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Daiichi]], [[Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Daini]], [[Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant]] and [[Tōkai Nuclear Power Plant|Tōkai nuclear power stations]], consisting of a total eleven reactors, were [[Scram|automatically shut down]] following the earthquake.<ref name="11plants">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/japan-earthquake-evacuations-ordered-as-fears-grow-of-radiation-leak-at-nuclear-plant/story-e6frfkyi-1226020473244 |title=Japan earthquake: Evacuations ordered as fears grow of radiation leak at nuclear plant; News.com.au |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=12 March 2011 |agency=AFP |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2adXZqV?url=http://www.news.com.au/world/japan-earthquake-evacuations-ordered-as-fears-grow-of-radiation-leak-at-nuclear-plant/story-e6frfkyi-1226020473244 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Higashidōri Nuclear Power Plant|Higashidōri]], also on the northeast coast, was already shut down for a periodic inspection. Cooling is needed to remove [[decay heat]] after a [[Generation II reactor]] has been shut down, and to maintain spent fuel pools. The backup cooling process is powered by emergency diesel generators at the plants and at [[Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant|Rokkasho nuclear reprocessing plant]].<ref name="nei-20110311">{{Cite news|url=http://www.neimagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=132&storyCode=2059127 |title=Japan initiates emergency protocol after earthquake |publisher=Nuclear Engineering International |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ae6b0U?url=http://www.neimagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=132&storyCode=2059127 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> At Fukushima Daiichi and Daini, tsunami waves overtopped seawalls and destroyed diesel backup power systems, leading to severe problems at Fukushima Daiichi, including three large explosions and radioactive leakage. Subsequent analysis found that many Japanese nuclear plants, including Fukushima Daiichi, were not adequately protected against tsunamis.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=The Fukushima Disaster and Japan's Nuclear Plant Vulnerability in Comparative Perspective|journal=Environmental Science & Technology |volume=47 |issue=12 |pages=6082–6088|doi=10.1021/es4004813 |pmid = 23679069|year=2013 |last1=Lipscy |first1=Phillip Y |last2=Kushida |first2=Kenji E |last3=Incerti |first3=Trevor |bibcode=2013EnST...47.6082L }}</ref> Over 200,000 people were evacuated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/13/japan-nuclear-plants-fukushima-earthquake |title=Japan's nuclear fears intensify at two Fukushima power stations |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=13 March 2011 |first=Ian |last=Sample |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAN6EQZ8?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/13/japan-nuclear-plants-fukushima-earthquake |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |date=13 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
7 April aftershock caused the loss of external power to Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant and Higashidori Nuclear Power Plant but backup generators were functional. [[Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant]] lost 3 of 4 external power lines and temporarily lost cooling function in its spent fuel pools for "20 to 80 minutes". A spill of "up to 3.8 litres" of radioactive water also occurred at Onagawa following the aftershock.<ref name="ibtimes1">[http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/132203/20110408/nuclear-plants-in-onagawa-higashidori-lose-power.htm Japan Earthquake: More Nuclear Plants Lose Power], ''International Business Times'', Jesse Emspak, 8 April 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aepag3?url=http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/132203/20110408/nuclear-plants-in-onagawa-higashidori-lose-power.htm |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
A report by the [[IAEA]] in 2012 found that the [[Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant]], the closest nuclear plant to the epicenter of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, had remained largely undamaged. The plant's 3 reactors automatically shut down without damage and all safety systems functioned as designed. The plant's {{convert|14|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} seawall successfully withstood the tsunami.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yamaguchi |first=Mari |work=Associated Press |title=Nuke plant near quake epicenter undamaged|date= 11 August 2012 |page= 8 |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/iaea-nuke-plant-near-fukushima-largely-undamaged}}</ref>
Europe's [[European Commissioner for Energy|Energy Commissioner]] [[Günther Oettinger]] addressed the European Parliament on 15 March, explaining that the nuclear disaster was an "apocalypse".<ref>Evans, Martin and Gordon Rayner. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8384809/Japan-nuclear-plant-disaster-warning-of-an-apocalypse-as-fallout-hits-danger-levels.html "Japan nuclear plant disaster: warning of an 'apocalypse’ as fallout hits danger levels,"] ''The Independent'' (UK). 16 March 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xFkDV78N?url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8384809/Japan-nuclear-plant-disaster-warning-of-an-apocalypse-as-fallout-hits-danger-levels.html |date=17 March 2011 }}</ref> As the nuclear crisis entered a second month, experts recognized that Fukushima Daiichi is not the worst nuclear accident ever, but it is the most complicated. Nuclear experts stated that Fukushima will go down in history as the second-worst nuclear accident ever. While it was not as bad as the [[Chernobyl disaster]], it was worse than the [[Three Mile Island accident]]. It could take months or years to learn how damaging the release of dangerous isotopes has been to human health and food supplies, and the surrounding countryside.<ref>[http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/132391/20110409/japan-nuclear-crisis-radiation.htm "Analysis: A month on, Japan nuclear crisis still scarring,"] {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2agYEQZ?url=http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/132391/20110409/japan-nuclear-crisis-radiation.htm |date=18 April 2011 }} ''International Business Times'' (Australia). 9 April 2011, retrieved 12 April 2011; excerpt, According to [[James M. Acton|James Acton]], Associate of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, "Fukushima is not the worst nuclear accident ever but it is the most complicated and the most dramatic ... This was a crisis that played out in real time on TV. Chernobyl did not." {{cite web|url=http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/132391/20110409/japan-nuclear-crisis-radiation.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-04-18 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2agYEQZ?url=http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/132391/20110409/japan-nuclear-crisis-radiation.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df= }}</ref>
Later analysis indicated three reactors at [[Fukushima I]] (Units 1, 2, and 3) had suffered meltdowns and continued to leak coolant water,<ref name="autogenerated2"/> and by summer the Vice-minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, the head of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, and the head of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, had lost their jobs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/08/04/japan.nuclear.crisis/index.html?eref=ib_topstories |title=Japan to fire 3 top nuclear officials |publisher=CNN |date=4 August 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011}}</ref>
====Fukushima meltdowns====
<!-- This section is an introduction to the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accidents]] article. -->
{{Main|Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|Timeline of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster}}
[[File:VOA Herman - April 12 2011 Namie-11.jpg|thumb|Loose livestock roam the evacuation zone]]
Japan declared a state of emergency following the failure of the cooling system at the [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant]], resulting in the evacuation of nearby residents.<ref name="guardian2011-03-11">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/japan-declares-nuclear-emergency-quake |title=Japan Declares 'Nuclear Emergency' after Quake |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |first=Justin |last=McCurry |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8Swgz2f?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/japan-declares-nuclear-emergency-quake |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.anhourago.com.au/show.aspx?l=8083104|author=Sato, Shigemi|date=12 March 2011|title=High radiation in Japanese nuclear plant|agency=Agence France Press|work=Sydney Morning Herald ''(AFP)''|publisher=anhourago.com.au|accessdate=13 March 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314063620/http://www.anhourago.com.au/show.aspx?l=8083104|archivedate=14 March 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="BBC3">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698 |title=Japan Tsunami |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5w5dpTRTE?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698 |archivedate=29 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Officials from the Japanese [[Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency]] reported that radiation levels inside the plant were up to 1,000 times normal levels,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Radioactive Material May Have Leaked from Japanese Reactor |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/japan.nuclear/index.html |accessdate=11 March 2011 |work=[[CNN International]] |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ahm3X6?url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/japan.nuclear/index.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and that radiation levels outside the plant were up to 8 times normal levels.<ref>Hiroko Tabuchi, Matthew L. Wald. [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14nuclear.html Partial Meltdowns Presumed at Crippled Reactors]. ''The New York Times'', 13 March 2011</ref> Later, a state of emergency was also declared at the [[Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Daini]] nuclear power plant about {{convert|11|km|mi|abbr=on}} south.<ref>Chico Harlan: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031201452.html?hpid%3Dtopnews Japan quake: With two natural disasters and a nuclear emergency, recovery begins]. ''The Washington Post'', 12 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011. {{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031201452.html?hpid=topnews |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-05-22 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ai5PuF?url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031201452.html?hpid=topnews |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This brought the total number of problematic reactors to six.<ref>Rik Myslewski. [https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/13/japanese_nuclear_site_update/ Sixth Japanese nuclear reactor loses cooling]. ''The Register'', 13 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aiZLwy?url=http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/13/japanese_nuclear_site_update/ |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
It was reported that radioactive iodine was detected in the tap water in Fukushima, Tochigi, Gunma, Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Niigata, and radioactive caesium in the tap water in Fukushima, Tochigi and Gunma.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103160286.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：福島市内の水道水から放射性物質検出 国の基準は下回る – 東日本大震災 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=3 January 2011 |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ajF4Z7?url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103160286.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110319-OYT1T00743.htm |title=１都５県の水道水から放射性物質、国基準下回る : 科学 |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Japan |date=19 March 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2akJkdQ?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110319-OYT1T00743.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?q=cache%3AI6wPxN4qqsEJ%3Ak.nhk.jp%2Fknews%2F20110319%2Fk10014787301000.html |title=水道水 制限値を全国で下回る |publisher=NHK News |accessdate=19 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVbO9cRA?url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?q=cache%3AI6wPxN4qqsEJ%3Ak.nhk.jp%2Fknews%2F20110319%2Fk10014787301000.html |archivedate=28 March 2011 |deadurl=bot: unknown |df=dmy }}</ref> Radioactive caesium, iodine, and strontium<ref>[http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0412/TKY201104120522.html asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：福島の土壌から微量ストロンチウム 水溶性の放射性物質 – 社会] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2akiMFW?url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0412/TKY201104120522.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> were also detected in the soil in some places in Fukushima. There may be a need to replace the contaminated soil.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103230215.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：原発から４０キロの土壌、高濃度セシウム 半減期３０年 – 東日本大震災 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=1 March 2011 |accessdate=26 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2albVby?url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103230215.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Many radioactive hotspots were found outside the evacuation zone, including Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201110060625.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：東京・神奈川含む汚染マップ公表 一部で１万ベクレル超 – 東日本大震災 |publisher=Asahi.com |date=6 October 2011 |accessdate=13 April 2012}}</ref> Food products were also found contaminated by radioactive matter in several places in Japan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-27/food-contamination-set-to-rise-as-japan-fights-radiation-crisis-at-reactor.html |title=Food Contamination Set to Rise as Japan Fights Radiation Crisis at Reactor |author=Jae Hur |publisher=Bloomberg |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2amCwmH?url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-27/food-contamination-set-to-rise-as-japan-fights-radiation-crisis-at-reactor.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |date=27 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> On 5 April 2011, the government of the [[Ibaraki Prefecture]] banned the fishing of [[sand lance]] after discovering that this species was contaminated by radioactive [[caesium]] above legal limits.<ref name="NHK World 20110405">{{cite news|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_34.html |title=High level of caesium detected in sand lances |publisher=NHK World |date=5 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2amUu38?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_34.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> As late as July 2013 slightly elevated levels of radioactivity were found in beef on sale at Tokyo markets.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ito |first=Nicholas |url=http://www.ktvz.com/health/28520368/detail.html |title=Radioactive Meat Sold In Japan Market – Health News Story – KTVZ Bend |publisher=Ktvz.com |date=12 July 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014654/http://www.ktvz.com/health/28520368/detail.html |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
====Incidents elsewhere====
A fire occurred in the turbine section of the [[Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant]] following the earthquake.<ref name="nei-20110311" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/quake-japan-nuclear-idUSLHE7E801E20110311 |title=Fire at Tōhoku Elec Onagawa nuclear plant -Kyodo | Reuters |first=Chikako |last=Mogi |agency=Reuters |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2an6CNo?url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/quake-japan-nuclear-idUSLHE7E801E20110311 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The blaze was in a building housing the turbine, which is sited separately from the plant's reactor,<ref name="guardian2011-03-11" /> and was soon extinguished.<ref name="Australian">{{Cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/fire-at-nuclear-power-plant-others-shut-down/story-fn84naht-1226020092352 |title=Fire at nuclear power plant extinguished |work=The Australian |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2anTfAu?url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/fire-at-nuclear-power-plant-others-shut-down/story-fn84naht-1226020092352 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The plant was shut down as a precaution.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hafez Ahmed |url=http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=130958&date=31 |title=March 2011 Japan's atomic plant neighbours mull leaving homes |publisher=Thefinancialexpress-bd.com |accessdate=7 September 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014832/http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=130958&date=31| archivedate= 28 July 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
On 13 March the lowest-level state of emergency was declared regarding the Onagawa plant as radioactivity readings temporarily<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html |title=IAEA update on Japan Earthquake |website=iaea.org |year=2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8gJ8rN2?url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> exceeded allowed levels in the area of the plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima130311.html |title=IAEA update on Japan Earthquake |website=iaea.org |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xt8321q7?url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima130311.html |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>Chico Harlan, Steven Mufson: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031205493.html?hpid=topnews Japanese nuclear plants' operator scrambles to avert meltdowns]. ''[[The Washington Post]]'', 11 March 2011 {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aoSMrP?url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031205493.html?hpid=topnews |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> Tōhoku Electric Power Co. stated this may have been due to radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accidents but was not from the Onagawa plant itself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/309172/sea-water-injected-troubled-fukushima-power-plant |title=Sea water injected into troubled Fukushima power plant | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online |website=mb.com.ph |year=2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aof5f0?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/309172/sea-water-injected-troubled-fukushima-power-plant |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
As a result of 7 April aftershock, Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant lost 3 of 4 external power lines and lost cooling function for as much as 80 minutes. A spill of a couple of litres of radioactive water occurred at Onagawa.<ref name="ibtimes1" />
The number 2 reactor at [[Tōkai Nuclear Power Plant]] was shut down automatically.<ref name="11plants" /> On 14 March it was reported that a cooling system pump for this reactor had stopped working;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTKG00708120110313 |title=Cooling system pump stops at Tokai No.2 plant-Kyodo; Energy & Oil; Reuters |work=af.reuters.com |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aot3wZ?url=http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTKG00708120110313 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> however, the Japan Atomic Power Company stated that there was a second operational pump sustaining the cooling systems, but that two of three diesel generators used to power the cooling system were out of order.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/13/uk-japan-quake-tokai-idUKTRE72C2RL20110313 |title=Tokai No.2 nuke plant cooling process working – operator | Reuters |first=Kiyoshi |last=Takenaka |work=uk.reuters.com |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ap319X?url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/13/uk-japan-quake-tokai-idUKTRE72C2RL20110313 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Wind power===
None of [[Wind power in Japan|Japan's commercial wind turbines]], totaling over 2300 MW in [[nameplate capacity]], failed as a result of the earthquake and tsunami, including the Kamisu offshore wind farm directly hit by the tsunami.<ref name="kamisu_tsunami">{{cite web|url=http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/05/the-dangers-of-energy-generation |title=The Dangers of Energy Generation |first=Elisa |last=Wood |publisher=Renewable Energy World |date=25 May 2011 |archivedate=3 June 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zAoObMnC?url=http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/05/the-dangers-of-energy-generation |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Transport===
[[File:Rokko-Bridge fell,Namegata-city,Japan.jpg|thumb|A highway bridge damaged and severed]]
Japan's transport network suffered severe disruptions. Many sections of [[Tōhoku Expressway]] serving northern Japan were damaged. The expressway did not reopen to general public use until 24 March 2011.<ref>''NHK World'', "Tōhoku Expressway Reopened To All Traffic", 24 March 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-24/highway-to-japan-quake-area-opens-as-casualties-pass-25-000.html |title=Highway to Japan Quake Area Opens as Casualties Pass 25,000 |last=Chu |first=Kathleen |author2=Sakamaki, Sachiko |date=24 March 2011 |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |accessdate=24 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xQW5ujha?url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-24/highway-to-japan-quake-area-opens-as-casualties-pass-25-000.html |archivedate=24 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> All railway services were suspended in Tokyo, with an estimated 20,000 people stranded at major stations across the city.<ref>NHK News, 23:30 JST</ref> In the hours after the earthquake, some train services were resumed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110311D11JF318.htm |title=Many Rail Services In Tokyo Suspended After Quake |publisher=NIKKEI |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b1ElUG?url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110311D11JF318.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Most Tokyo area train lines resumed full service by the next day—12 March.<ref>[[Associated Press]], "When Tokyo's clockwork trains stopped ticking", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011, p. 3.</ref> Twenty thousand stranded visitors spent the night of 11–12 March inside [[Tokyo Disneyland]].<ref>Kyodo News, "Disney reality check for the stuck", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011, p. 3.</ref>
A tsunami wave flooded [[Sendai Airport]] at 15:55 JST,<ref name="AVH1" /> about 1 hour after the initial quake, causing severe damage. [[Narita International Airport|Narita]] and [[Haneda Airport]] both briefly suspended operations after the quake, but suffered little damage and reopened within 24 hours.<ref name="CNA1" /> Eleven airliners bound for Narita were diverted to nearby [[Yokota Air Base]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yokota.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123246410 |title=Yokota provides support following massive earthquake |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b1p0oW?url=http://www.yokota.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123246410 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "USS Reagan on way", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011, p. 2.</ref>
[[File:Shinchi Sta 20110404.jpg|thumb|left|Remains of [[Shinchi Station]]]]
Various train services around Japan were also canceled, with [[JR East]] suspending all services for the rest of the day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://traininfo.jreast.co.jp/train_info/service.aspx |title=JR東日本：列車運行情報 |publisher=Traininfo.jreast.co.jp |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b2Dga0?url=http://traininfo.jreast.co.jp/train_info/service.aspx |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Four trains on coastal lines were reported as being out of contact with operators; one, a four-car train on the [[Senseki Line]], was found to have derailed, and its occupants were rescued shortly after 8 am the next morning.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20110312-OYT1T00215.htm?from=main2 |title=脱線のＪＲ仙石線車内から、県警ヘリで９人救出 : 社会 : YOMIURI ONLINE（読売新聞） |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b2UiOS?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20110312-OYT1T00215.htm?from=main2 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Minami-Kesennuma Station]] on the [[Kesennuma Line]] was obliterated save for its platform;<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110312004840.htm |title=Kesennuma described as 'hellish sight' |last=Akiyama |first=Hironari |author2=Ishibashi, Takeharu |date=13 March 2011 |work=Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=16 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDwnpDxQ?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110312004840.htm |archivedate=16 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> 62 of 70 (31 of 35) JR East train lines suffered damage to some degree;<ref name="autogenerated1" /> in the worst-hit areas, 23 stations on 7 lines were washed away, with damage or loss of track in 680 locations and the 30-km radius around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant unable to be assessed.<ref>[http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20110331-OYT1T00855.htm ２３駅流失、線路被害６８０か所…ＪＲ東日本 : 社会 : YOMIURI ONLINE（読売新聞）] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b2tNNm?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20110331-OYT1T00855.htm |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
There were no derailments of [[Shinkansen]] bullet train services in and out of Tokyo, but their services were also suspended.<ref name="CNA1" /> The [[Tōkaidō Shinkansen]] resumed limited service late in the day and was back to its normal schedule by the next day, while the [[Jōetsu Shinkansen|Jōetsu]] and [[Nagano Shinkansen]] resumed services late on 12 March. Services on [[Yamagata Shinkansen]] resumed with limited numbers of trains on 31 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201103290189.html |title=Full Tōhoku Shinkansen Line services to be restored by late April |website=The Asahi Shimbun Company |date=30 March 2001 |accessdate=2 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b5IHoX?url=http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201103290189.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
Derailments were minimized because of an early warning system that detected the earthquake before it struck. The system automatically stopped all high-speed trains, which minimized the damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/features/feature122751 |title=How Japan's Rail Network Survived the Earthquake |publisher=Railway Technology |date= |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref>
The [[Tōhoku Shinkansen]] line was worst hit, with JR East estimating that 1,100 sections of the line, varying from collapsed station roofs to bent power pylons, will need repairs. Services on the Tōhoku Shinkansen partially resumed only in Kantō area on 15 March, with one round-trip service per hour between [[Tokyo Station|Tokyo]] and [[Nasushiobara Station|Nasu-Shiobara]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0315/TKY201103150121.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：東北新幹線、東京―那須塩原で再開 各停、１時間に１本 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=15 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b3AlYB?url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0315/TKY201103150121.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and Tōhoku area service partially resumed on 22 March between [[Morioka Station|Morioka]] and [[Shin-Aomori Station|Shin-Aomori]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/no-of-dead-or-missing-tops-21000-bodies-buried-in-rare-measure |title=No. of dead or missing tops 22,000; bodies buried in rare measure |website=JAPANTODAY |date=22 March 2001 |accessdate=2 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b3oDmQ?url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/no-of-dead-or-missing-tops-21000-bodies-buried-in-rare-measure |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Services on [[Akita Shinkansen]] resumed with limited numbers of trains on 18 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110318D18JF316.htm |title=Gradual Restoration Of Infrastructure Continues At Disaster Areas |website=Nikkei |date=18 March 2001 |accessdate=2 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b4N0NM?url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110318D18JF316.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Service between Tokyo and [[Shin-Aomori Station|Shin-Aomori]] was restored by May, but at lower speeds due to ongoing restoration work; the pre-earthquake timetable was not reinstated until late September.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asahi.com/travel/rail/news/TKY201109230547.html |title=仙台―東京「はやぶさ」８分短縮 半年ぶりダイヤ復旧 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=23 September 2011 |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
[[File:Carried train in Ishinomaki Line.JPG|thumb|Train washed away uphill from [[Onagawa Station]]]]
The rolling blackouts brought on by the crises at the nuclear power plants in Fukushima had a profound effect on the rail networks around Tokyo starting on 14 March. Major railways began running trains at 10–20 minute intervals, rather than the usual 3–5 minute intervals, operating some lines only at rush hour and completely shutting down others; notably, the [[Tōkaidō Main Line]], [[Yokosuka Line]], [[Sōbu Main Line]] and [[Chūō-Sōbu Line]] were all stopped for the day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0314/TKY201103130323.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：計画停電で影響が出る主な鉄道（午前７時現在） – 社会 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b5j7jT?url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0314/TKY201103130323.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> This led to near-paralysis within the capital, with long lines at train stations and many people unable to come to work or get home. Railway operators gradually increased capacity over the next few days, until running at approximately 80% capacity by 17 March and relieving the worst of the passenger congestion.
===Telecommunications===
[[File:Fallen power poles in Ishinomaki.jpg|thumb|Damaged utility pole in Ishinomaki]]
Cellular and landline phone service suffered major disruptions in the affected area.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tokyo phone lines jammed, trains stop |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-12/rest-of-world/28683249_1_trains-phone-lines-tokyo |work=Times of India |location=India |date=12 March 2011 |quote=The temblor shook buildings in the capital, left millions of homes across Japan without electricity, shut down the mobile phone network and severely disrupted landline phone service. |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b6KaCx?url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-12/rest-of-world/28683249_1_trains-phone-lines-tokyo |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Immediately after the earthquake cellular communication was jammed across much of Japan due to a surge of network activity. On the day of the quake, American broadcaster NPR was unable to reach anyone in Sendai with working phone or Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/03/11/134467277/A-Look-At-The-Japanese-City-Closest-To-The-Quake |accessdate=26 March 2011 |title=A Look At The Japanese City Closest To The Quake |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b6tu5Q?url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/11/134467277/A-Look-At-The-Japanese-City-Closest-To-The-Quake |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Internet services were largely unaffected in areas where basic infrastructure remained, despite the earthquake having damaged portions of several [[submarine communications cable|undersea cable]] systems landing in the affected regions; these systems were able to reroute around affected segments onto redundant links.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/broadband/in-japan-many-under-sea-cables-are-damaged/ |title=In Japan, Many Undersea Cables Are Damaged: Broadband News and Analysis |publisher=Gigaom.com |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xCrffo18?url=http://gigaom.com/broadband/in-japan-many-under-sea-cables-are-damaged/ |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cowie |first=James |url=http://www.renesys.com/blog/2011/03/japan-quake.shtml |title=Japan Quake – Renesys Blog |publisher=Renesys.com |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9kSwgxs?url=http://www.renesys.com/blog/2011/03/japan-quake.shtml |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Within Japan, only a few websites were initially unreachable.<ref name="computerworld">{{Cite news|title=Japan's phone networks remain severely disrupted |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9214261/Japan_s_phone_networks_remain_severely_disrupted |work=Computerworld |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2emLvjn?url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9214261/Japan_s_phone_networks_remain_severely_disrupted |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Several [[Wi-Fi]] hotspot providers reacted to the quake by providing free access to their networks,<ref name="computerworld" /> and some American telecommunications and [[VoIP]] companies such as [[AT&T]], [[Sprint Nextel|Sprint]], [[Verizon]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2011/03/14/att-free-calls-japan/ |accessdate=30 March 2011 |title=AT&T, Sprint & Verizon Offer Free Calls & Texts to Japan from U.S. [UPDATED] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b7Ms5J?url=http://mashable.com/2011/03/14/att-free-calls-japan/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[T-Mobile]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/t-mobile-assists-customers-Japan |accessdate=29 May 2011 |title=T-Mobile USA Waives Call Charges to Japan and Wi-Fi Calling and Text Messaging Charges to and From Japan |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602012256/http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/t-mobile-assists-customers-Japan |archivedate=2 June 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and VoIP companies such as [[netTALK]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vancouversun.com/business/netTALK+Extends+Free+Calling+Japan+Through+April/4478989/story.html |accessdate=30 March 2011 |title=netTALK Extends Free Calling to Japan Through April |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2enGc01?url=http://www.vancouversun.com/business/netTALK+Extends+Free+Calling+Japan+Through+April/4478989/story.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> and [[Vonage]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/vonage-offers-free-calls-japan/2011-03-14/ |accessdate=30 March 2011 |title=Vonage offers free calls to Japan |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2eo28hI?url=http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/vonage-offers-free-calls-japan/2011-03-14 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> have offered free calls to (and in some cases, from) Japan for a limited time, as did Germany's [[Deutsche Telekom]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telekom.com/medien/konzern/29364 |publisher=''Deutsche Telekom'' |date=17 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2012 |title=Deutsche Telekom: Konzern erleichtert Kommunikation nach Japan |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314063706/http://www.telekom.com/medien/konzern/29364 |archivedate=14 March 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
===Defense===
[[Matsushima Air Field]] of the [[Japan Self-Defense Force]] in Miyagi Prefecture was struck by the tsunami, flooding the base and resulting in damage to all 18 [[Mitsubishi F-2]] fighter jets of the 21st Fighter Training Squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20110928p2a00m0na017000c.html |title=Mitsubishi Heavy Industries bids goodbye to F2 aircraft |accessdate=28 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930235506/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20110928p2a00m0na017000c.html |archivedate=30 September 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/03/earthquake-devastates-japan-f-.html|title=Earthquake devastates Japan F-2 sqd|accessdate=28 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8380342/Tsunami-and-earthquake-in-Japan-latest-pictures-of-the-damage.html|title=Tsunami and earthquake in Japan: latest pictures of the damage|accessdate=28 September 2011|location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=14 March 2011}}</ref> 12 of the aircraft were scrapped, while the remaining 6 were slated for repair at a cost of 80 billion yen ($1 billion), exceeding the original cost of the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ2011091510588 |title=Air SDF to scrap 12 fighters, citing tsunami damage |accessdate=28 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026192518/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ2011091510588 |archivedate=26 October 2011 |df= }}</ref>
===Space center===
[[JAXA]] (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) evacuated the [[Tsukuba Space Center]] in [[Tsukuba, Ibaraki]]. The Center, which houses a control room for part of the [[International Space Station]], was shut down and some damage was reported.<ref>{{cite web|last=Malik |first=Tariq |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42038724/ns/technology_and_science-space/ |title=Quake forces closure of Japanese space center |publisher=MSNBC |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2eoLjd1?url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42038724/ns/technology_and_science-space/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/science/update/0316/TKY201103160235.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：茨城の宇宙機構施設が損傷 「きぼう」一部管制できず – サイエンス |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2woTRPp?url=http://www.asahi.com/science/update/0316/TKY201103160235.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
The Tsukuba control center resumed full operations for the space station's Kibo laboratory and the HTV cargo craft on 21 March 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/h2b/htv2/110327update/ |title=spaceflightnow.com |website=Stephen Clark |accessdate=28 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wpCsdy?url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/h2b/htv2/110327update/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Cultural properties===
[[File:Monuments fell down by 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake in Tokiwa-shrine.JPG|thumb|Damage to a [[Tōrō|traditional lantern]] at [[Tokiwa Jinja|Tokiwa shrine]] in [[Mito, Ibaraki|Mito City]]]]
754 [[Cultural Properties of Japan|cultural properties]] were damaged across nineteen prefectures, including five [[National Treasures of Japan|National Treasures]] (at [[Zuigan-ji]], [[Ōsaki Hachiman-gū]], [[Shiramizu Amidadō]], and [[Seihaku-ji]]); 160 [[Important Cultural Properties of Japan|Important Cultural Properties]] (including at [[Sendai Tōshō-gū]], the [[Kōdōkan (Mito)|Kōdōkan]], and [[Entsū-in (Matsushima)|Entsū-in]], with its [[Namban art|western decorative motifs]]); one hundred and forty-four [[Monuments of Japan]] (including [[Matsushima]], [[Takata-matsubara]], [[Yūbikan]], and the [[Site of Tagajō]]); six [[Groups of Traditional Buildings]]; and four [[Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties]]. Stone monuments at the UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]]: [[Shrines and Temples of Nikkō]] were toppled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bunka.go.jp/english/pdf/2011_Tohoku_ver14.pdf |title=Damages to Cultural Properties in "the Great East Japan Earthquake" |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |date=16 February 2012 |accessdate=22 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328065531/http://www.bunka.go.jp/english/pdf/2011_Tohoku_ver14.pdf |archivedate=28 March 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkazai/tohokujishin_kanren/hisaijyokyo.html |script-title=ja:東日本大震災による文化芸術分野の被災状況 |trans-title=Effects of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in the field of Culture and the Arts |language=Japanese |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |accessdate=22 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425065349/http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkazai/tohokujishin_kanren/hisaijyokyo.html |archivedate=25 April 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/culture/news/20110312-OYT1T00635.htm |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110512010008/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/culture/news/20110312-OYT1T00635.htm |dead-url=yes |archive-date=12 May 2011 |title=岡倉天心ゆかりの文化財「六角堂」、津波で消失 |publisher=[[Daily Yomiuri]] |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=6 May 2011 |df= }}</ref> In Tokyo, there was damage to [[Koishikawa Kōrakuen]], [[Rikugien Garden|Rikugien]], [[Hamarikyu Gardens|Hamarikyū Onshi Teien]], and the walls of [[Edo Castle]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkashingikai/seisaku/09_01/pdf/shiryo_6.pdf |title=Damage to Cultural Properties |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |date=27 April 2011 |accessdate=9 May 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512010025/http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkashingikai/seisaku/09_01/pdf/shiryo_6.pdf |archivedate=12 May 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Information on the condition of collections held by museums, libraries and archives is still incomplete.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iccrom.org/eng/news_en/2011_en/various_en/13_24earthquakeJapan_en.pdf |title=An Interim Report on the Situation of Cultural Heritage in Japan after the Tōhoku district -off the Pacific Ocean Earthquake (or Tōhoku Earthquake) |publisher=[[ICCROM]] |accessdate=8 May 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110512010023/http://www.iccrom.org/eng/news_en/2011_en/various_en/13_24earthquakeJapan_en.pdf| archivedate= 12 May 2011 | deadurl= yes}}</ref> There was no damage to the [[Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi]] in Iwate Prefecture, and the recommendation for their inscription on the [[List of World Heritage Sites in Japan|UNESCO World Heritage List]] in June was seized upon as a symbol of international recognition and recovery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110507002957.htm |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110507220154/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110507002957.htm |dead-url=yes |archive-date=7 May 2011 |title=UNESCO move brings joy |publisher=[[Daily Yomiuri]] |accessdate=9 May 2011 |df= }}</ref>
==Aftermath==
[[File:Rescued from Tsunami at Ishinomaki.JPG|thumb|upright|Rescue operations in the floodwaters in downtown [[Ishinomaki]]]]
<!-- (This is a summary only – see main article for supporting references.) -->{{Main|Aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}}
The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami included both a humanitarian crisis and a major economic impact. The tsunami resulted in over 340,000 displaced people in the Tōhoku region, and shortages of food, water, shelter, medicine, and fuel for survivors. In response the Japanese government mobilized the Self-Defence Forces (under Joint Task Force – Tōhoku, led by Lieutenant General [[Eiji Kimizuka]]), while many countries sent search and rescue teams to help search for survivors. Aid organizations both in Japan and worldwide also responded, with the Japanese Red Cross reporting $1 billion in donations. The economic impact included both immediate problems, with industrial production suspended in many factories, and the longer term issue of the cost of rebuilding which has been estimated at ¥10 trillion ($122 billion). In comparison to the [[1995 Great Hanshin earthquake]], the East Japan earthquake brought serious damage to an extremely wide range.<ref>{{cite book | title=East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: Evacuation, Communication, Education and Volunteerism | publisher=Research Publishing Services |author1=Rajib Shaw |author2=Yukiko Takeuchi | year=2012 | location=Singapore | page=288 | isbn=978-981-07-0186-4}}</ref>
The aftermath of the twin disasters also left Japan's coastal cities and towns with nearly 25 million tons of debris. In Ishinomaki alone, there were 17 trash collection sites {{convert|180|m}} long and at least {{convert|4.5|m}} high. An official in the city's government trash disposal department estimated that it would take three years to empty these sites.<ref>{{cite journal | title=Japan tackles mountains of trash | publisher=Christian Science Monitor | author=Peter Ford | date=18 July 2011 | page=12 | url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2011/0715/Japan-tackles-mountains-of-trash-left-in-tsunami-s-wake}}</ref>
In April 2015, authorities off the coast of [[Oregon]] discovered debris that is thought to be from a boat destroyed during the tsunami. Cargo contained yellowtail jack fish, a species that lives off the coast of Japan, still alive. KGW estimates that more than 1 million tons of debris still remain in the Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mejia|first1=Paula|title=Piece of Ship from Japan's 2011 Tsunami Surfaces in Oregon|url=http://www.newsweek.com/piece-ship-japans-2011-tsunami-surfaces-oregon-321793|website=Newsweek|accessdate=13 April 2015}}</ref>
==Humanitarian response==
[[File:Japanese fundraisers.jpg|thumb|Japanese students collecting funds for the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami at the [[University of Pécs]], [[Hungary]]]]
{{Main|Humanitarian response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}}
[[File:2011TsunamiFireVehicles.jpg|thumb|upright|Emergency vehicles staging in the ruins of [[:en:Otsuchi, Iwate|Otsuchi]], Japan following the tsunami]]
According to Japan's foreign ministry, 116 countries and 28 international organizations offered assistance. Japan specifically requested assistance from teams from [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Korea]], and the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/us-japan-quake-aid-refile-idUSTRE72A71320110311|title=Japan requests foreign rescue teams, UN says|last=Nebehay|first=Stephanie|date=11 March 2011|work=[[Reuters]]|accessdate=11 March 2011}}</ref>
==Media coverage==
[[File:Anti nuclear rally in Tokyo on Sunday 27 March 2011.JPG|thumb|Anti-nuclear protest following the disaster]]
Japan's national public broadcaster, [[NHK]], and [[JSTV|Japan Satellite Television]] suspended their usual programming to provide ongoing coverage of the situation.<ref>NHK News, 14:40 JST.</ref> Other nationwide Japanese and international TV networks also broadcast uninterrupted coverage of the disaster. [[Ustream.tv|Ustream Asia]] broadcast live feeds of NHK, [[Tokyo Broadcasting System]], [[Nippon TV]], [[Fuji TV]], [[TV Asahi]], [[TV Tokyo]], [[Tokyo MX]], [[TV Kanagawa]], and [[CNN]] on the Internet starting on 12 March 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20110312_432721.html |title=Ustream Asia、民放TV各局の東北地方太平洋沖地震報道番組を同時配jmjffr -INTERNET Watch |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wpuUWE?url=http://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20110312_432721.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[YokosoNews]], an Internet webcast in Japan, dedicated its broadcast to the latest news gathered from Japanese news stations, translating them in real time to English.<ref>Pinola, Melanie. [http://lifehacker.com/#!5781316/listen-to-live-coverage-from-japan-in-english-from-yokosonews Listen to Live Coverage from Japan In English from YokosoNews], "lifehacker", 13 March 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wqbuig?url=http://lifehacker.com/%23%215781316/listen-to-live-coverage-from-japan-in-english-from-yokosonews |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
It was noted that the Japanese news media has been at times overly cautious to avoid panic and reliance on confusing statements by experts and officials.<ref>Brasor, Philip. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20110320pb.html "Local broadcasters remain calm during the quake crisis,"] ''Japan Times''. 20 March 2011; Johnston, Eric. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110321f1.html "Foreign media take flak for fanning fears,"] ''Japan Times''. 21 March 2011; Harlan, Chico and Akiko Yamamoto. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/in-japan-disaster-coverage-is-measured-not-breathless/2011/03/26/AFMmfxlB_story.html "In Japan, disaster coverage is measured, not breathless,"] ''Washington Post'' (US). 27 March 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2011.{{cite web|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20110320pb.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=20 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wqoFZn?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20110320pb.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
In this national crisis, the Japanese government provided [[Japanese Sign Language]] (JSL) interpreting at the press conferences related to the earthquake and tsunami.<ref>[http://deafjapan.blogspot.com/2011/03/first-interpreting-at-government-press.html "First interpreting at government press conference on disaster,"] ''Deaf News Japan.'' 20 March 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wsgMdq?url=http://deafjapan.blogspot.com/2011/03/first-interpreting-at-government-press.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> Television broadcasts of the press conferences of [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Naoto Kan]] and [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yukio Edano]] included simultaneous JSL interpreters standing next to the Japanese flag on the same platform.<ref>[http://www.usicd.org/index.cfm/news_pwd-relief-headquarters-petition "Japan Relief Headquarters for Persons with Disabilities Petition for Support and Accommodation Following Earthquake,"] United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD), 17 March 2011, retrieved 14 April 2011; [http://www.komei.or.jp/en/news/detail/20110320_4766 "New Komeito post-quake initiatives being adopted,"] New Komeito Party. 20 March 2011, retrieved 14 April 2011; [http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110401/japan-radiation-110401/20110401/?hub=EdmontonHome "Japan's PM set to visit crippled nuclear plant,"] CTV (Canada). 1 April 2011; see photo. Retrieved 2011-04-14.{{cite web|url=http://www.komei.or.jp/en/news/detail/20110320_4766 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=14 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wssAVh?url=http://www.komei.or.jp/en/news/detail/20110320_4766 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
According to [[Jake Adelstein]], most Japanese media accepted and parroted the misinformation put out by the Japanese government and TEPCO about the unfolding Fukushima nuclear crisis. Notable exceptions, according to Adelstein, were newspapers ''[[Sankei Shimbun]]'' and ''[[Chunichi Shimbun]]'' which questioned the accuracy of the information coming from the government and TEPCO. Because of the unquestioning nature of most Japanese media to hold to the "party line", many Japanese mid-level officials and experts spoke to foreign media to get their opinions and observations publicized.<ref>[[Jake Adelstein|Adelstein, Jake]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/01/01/national/what-2011-means-for-japan-in-2012-and-beyond/ What 2011 means for Japan in 2012 and beyond]," ''[[Japan Times]]'', 1 January 2012, p. 20.</ref>
[[Atsushi Funahashi]], director of ''Nuclear Nation'' notes that "when the overseas media was calling Fukushima a '[[Nuclear meltdown|meltdown]],' the Japanese government and media waited two months before admitting it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2014/03/japans-radioactive-nightmare.html|title=JAPAN'S RADIOACTIVE NIGHTMARE|publisher=[[The New Yorker]]}}</ref>
Nine days after the earthquake hit, a [[Scientific visualization|visualization]] and [[sonification]] were uploaded to [[YouTube]] allowing listeners to hear the earthquake as it unfolded in time. Two days of seismic activity made available by the [[IRIS Consortium]] were compressed into two minutes of sound. The large number of views made the video one of the most popular examples of sonification on the web.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PJxUPvz9Oo|title=Sonification of the Tōhoku Earthquake}}</ref>
Also, following the earthquake, for the first time in Japanese history, the Emperor addressed the nation in a pre-recorded television broadcast.<ref>{{cite web|title=Somber Japan emperor makes unprecedented address to nation|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-quake-emperor-idUSTRE72F23520110316|website=Reuters|accessdate=22 May 2016|date=16 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Japan's Emperor Akihito expresses 'deep concern' over Fukushima nuclear plant crisis|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-in/8385058/Japans-Emperor-Akihito-expresses-deep-concern-over-Fukushima-nuclear-plant-crisis.html|website=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=22 May 2016}}</ref>
==Scientific and research response==
Seismologists anticipated a very large quake would strike in the same place as the [[1923 Great Kantō earthquake]] — in the [[Sagami Trough]], southwest of Tokyo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-japan-earthquake-tsunami-big-one-science/ |title=Japan Earthquake Not the "Big One"? |last=Lovett |first=Richard A. |date=14 March 2011 |work=[[National Geographic News]] |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xG1LYwp9?url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-japan-earthquake-tsunami-big-one-science/ |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="Achenbach">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031102415_pf.html |title=Japan: The 'Big One' hit, but not where they thought it would |last=Achenbach |first=Joel |date=11 March 2011 |work=The Washington Post |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xG1EVm2z?url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031102415_pf.html |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The Japanese government had tracked plate movements since 1976 in preparation for the so-called [[Tōkai earthquakes|Tokai earthquake]], predicted to take place in that region.<ref name="Powell">{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/japan-earthquake-surpise/ |title=Japan Quake Epicenter Was in Unexpected Location |last=Powell |first=Devin |date=17 March 2011 |work=[[Wired News]] |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xG14OpFb?url=http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/japan-earthquake-surpise/ |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> However, occurring as it did {{convert|373|km|mi|abbr=on}} north east of Tokyo, the Tōhoku earthquake came as a surprise to seismologists. While the [[Japan Trench]] was known for creating large quakes, it had not been expected to generate quakes above an 8.0 magnitude.<ref name="Achenbach" /><ref name="Powell" /> The Headquarters For Earthquake Research Promotion setup by Japanese government have then reassessed the long term risk of trench-type earthquakes around Japan, and it was announced in November 2011 that, combining with researches on [[869 Sanriku earthquake]], an earthquake similar to this one (with a magnitude of {{M|w|link=y}} 8.4–9.0) would take place in the area between off the coast of Pacific side of the Northeast Japan in an average of every 600 years intervals (See also [[Seismicity of the Sanriku coast]]), and it is also assessed that a tsunami-earthquake with a [[Seismic scale#Tsunami magnitude scales|tsunami magnitude scales]] (Mt) between 8.6 and 9.0 (Similar to [[1896 Sanriku earthquake]], the Mt for the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake is 9.1–9.4) will have a 30% chance to occur within 30 years.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/111126/dst11112608520000-n1.htm|title = 三陸沖〜房総沖で「Ｍ9」30年以内に30% 地震調査委|publisher = Sankei Shimbun|date = 2011-11-26|accessdate = 2011-11-26|deadurl = yes|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20111126231054/http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/111126/dst11112608520000-n1.htm|archivedate = 26 November 2011|df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.jishin.go.jp/main/chousa/11nov_sanriku/index.htm|title = 三陸沖から房総沖にかけての地震活動の長期評価（第二版）について|publisher = The Headquarters For Earthquake Research Promotion|date = 2011-11-25|accessdate = 2011-11-26}}</ref>
The quake gave scientists the opportunity to collect a large amount of data so as to model in great detail the seismic events that took place.<ref name="DW" /> This data is expected to be used in a variety of ways, providing as it does unprecedented information about how buildings respond to shaking, and other effects.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-sci-japan-quake-science-20110313,0,5782113.story |title=Japan earthquake shifted Earth on its axis |last=Brown |first=Eryn |date=12 March 2011 |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x96cBq8d?url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-sci-japan-quake-science-20110313,0,5782113.story |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Gravimetry|Gravimetric]] data from the quake has been used to create a model for [[Earthquake warning system|increased warning time]] compared to seismic models, as gravity fields travel faster than seismic waves.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms13349 |title=Prompt gravity signal induced by the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake |doi=10.1038/ncomms13349 |pmid=27874858 |pmc=5121411 |volume=7 |journal=Nature Communications |page=13349|year=2016 |last1=Montagner |first1=Jean-Paul |last2=Juhel |first2=Kévin |last3=Barsuglia |first3=Matteo |last4=Ampuero |first4=Jean Paul |last5=Chassande-Mottin |first5=Eric |last6=Harms |first6=Jan |last7=Whiting |first7=Bernard |last8=Bernard |first8=Pascal |last9=Clévédé |first9=Eric |last10=Lognonné |first10=Philippe |bibcode=2016NatCo...713349M }}</ref>
Researchers have also analysed the economic effects of this earthquake and have developed models of the nationwide propagation via interfirm supply networks of the shock originated in Tōhoku region.<ref name="Todo">{{cite journal | last1 = Todo | first1 = Yasuyuki | last2 = Nakajima | first2 = Kentaro | last3 = Matous | first3 = Petr | year = 2015 | title = How do supply chain networks affect the resilience of firms to natural disasters? Evidence from the Great East Japan Earthquake | journal = Regional Science | volume = 55 | issue = 2| pages = 209–229 | doi=10.1111/jors.12119}}</ref><ref name="matous">{{cite journal | last1 = Matous | first1 = Petr | last2 = Todo | first2 = Yasuyuki | year = 2016 | title = Energy and resilience: The effects of endogenous interdependencies on trade network formation across space among major Japanese firms | url = | journal = Network Science | volume = 4| issue = 2| pages = 141–163| doi = 10.1017/nws.2015.37 }}</ref>
Researchers soon after the full extent of the disaster was known launched a project to gather all digital material relating to the disaster into an online searchable archive to form the basis of future research into the events during and after the disaster. The Japan Digital Archive is presented in English and Japanese and is hosted at the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at [[Harvard University]] in Boston, Massachusetts. Some of the first research to come from the archive was a 2014 paper from the Digital Methods Initiative in Amsterdam about patterns of [[Twitter]] usage around the time of the disaster.
After the 2011 disaster the UNISDR, [[United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction]], held its [[World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction]] in Tohoku in March 2015, which produced the [[Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction|Sendai Framework]] document to guide efforts by international development agencies to act before disasters instead of reacting to them after the fact. At this time Japan's Disaster Management Office (Naikakufu Bosai Keikaku) published a bi-lingual guide in Japanese and English, ''Disaster Management in Japan'', to outline the several varieties of natural disaster and the preparations being made for the eventuality of each. In the fall of 2016 Japan's National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED; Japanese abbreviation, Bosai Kaken; full name Bousai Kagaku Gijutsu Kenkyusho) launched the online interactive "Disaster Chronology Map for Japan, 416–2013" (map labels in Japanese) to display in visual form the location, disaster time, and date across the islands.
An expedition named [[Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project]] have been conducted in year 2012–2013 to drill oceanfloor boreholes through the fault-zone of the earthquake and gathered important data about the rupture mechanism and physical properties of the fault that caused the huge earthquake and tsuanmi which devastated much of northeast Japan.<ref name="smithsonian">Smithsonian.com [http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/fault-that-caused-japans-2011-earthquake-is-thin-and-slippery-180948057/?no-ist Fault that Caused Japan's 2011 Earthquake is Thin and Slippery], Dec. 5, 2013</ref><ref name="christsci">Christian Science Monitor [http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2013/1206/Japan-s-monster-quake-Do-scientists-have-key-to-decode-future-temblors Japan's monster quake: Do scientists have key to decode future tremblors?], Dec. 6, 2013</ref>
==See also==
[[File:Fukushima7.png|thumb|Fukushima radiation comparison to other incidents and standards, with graph of recorded radiation levels and specific accident events. ''(Note: Does not include all radiation readings from Fukushima Daini site)'']]
* [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]]
* [[Health crisis]]
* [[List of earthquakes in 2011]]
* [[List of earthquakes in Japan]]
* [[List of historical tsunamis]]
* [[Lists of earthquakes]]
* [http://dil-db.bosai.go.jp/saigai/ Map to chronicle all known disasters in Japan from 416–2013] (labels in Japanese)
* [[Nuclear power in Japan#Seismicity|Nuclear power in Japan § Seismicity]]
* ''[[Ryou-Un Maru]]''
* [[Seismicity of the Sanriku coast]]
==Notes==
{{Reflist | group="fn"}}
{{Clear}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name=15wcee>{{cite conference|title=Source rupture process of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake derived from strong-motion records|url=http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/WCEE2012_1650.pdf|first=W.|last=Suzuki|first2=S.|last2=Aoi|first3=H.|last3=Sekiguchi|first4=T.|last4=Kunugi|conference=Proceedings of the fifteenth world conference on earthquake engineering|year=2012|location=Lisbon, Portugal|page=1}}</ref>
<ref name="jma">{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20110311150154391-111446.html |title=Japan Meteorological Agency | Earthquake Information |publisher=Jma.go.jp |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2xF2rpM?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20110311150154391-111446.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>}}
==Further reading==
* {{cite book | editor = Architectural Institute of Japan | title = Preliminary Reconnaissance Report of the 2011 Tōhoku-Chiho Taiheiyo-Oki Earthquake | edition = | url = | accessdate = | year = 2012 | series= | publisher = Springer | location = | isbn = | issn = | oclc = | page = 460}}
* {{cite book | last = Birmingham | first = Lucy | first2 = David | last2 = McNeill | title = Strong in the Rain: Surviving Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami and Fukushima Nuclear Disaster | edition = | url = | accessdate = | year = 2012 | series= | publisher = Palgrave Macmillan | location = | isbn = | issn = | oclc = | page = 256}}
* Cabinet Office Disaster Management, Government of Japan (2015). ''Disaster Management in Japan''. Online (bilingual), http://www.bousai.go.jp/1info/pdf/saigaipamphlet_je.pdf
* Levi McLaughlin {{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/4190393|title=What Have Religious Groups Done After 3.11? Part 1: A Brief Survey of Religious Mobilization after the Great East Japan Earthquake Disasters}}
* Levi McLaughlin {{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/4190405|title=What Have Religious Groups Done After 3.11? Part 2: From Religious Mobilization to "Spiritual Care."}}
==External links==
{{sister project links|commons=Category:2011 Tōhoku earthquake|wikt=no|q=no|b=no|s=no|v=no|species=no|n=Category:2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami}}
* [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/japan-killer-quake.html Japan's Killer Quake] – [[Nova (TV series)|NOVA]]
* [https://earthquake.usgs.gov/archive/product/poster/20110311/us/1481142094043/poster.pdf Poster of the Great Tōhoku Earthquake] from [[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS)
* [http://supersites.earthobservations.org/sendai.php Scientific information about the Tōhoku earthquake]
* {{YouTube|id=xylDxj6-9dY|title=Earthquake Swarm Google Earth Animation}}
* [http://ptwc.weather.gov/ Pacific Tsunami Warning Center] at [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA)
* [http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/DE687B15F54FBFBD8525785500636B6C-map.pdf Map of Tsunami Inundation Areas in Japan] from [http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/RKRR-8EZP8P?OpenDocument&rc=3&emid=EQ-2011-000028-JPN ReliefWeb]
* [http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/03/massive_earthquake_hits_japan.html Massive earthquake hits Japan] Photos from ''[[The Boston Globe]]''
* [http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/japan-quake-2011/beforeafter.htm Japan Earthquake: before and after] aerial and satellite images from ABC News, credited to [http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/03/post-earthquake-images-of-japan.html Post-earthquake images of Japan]
* [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html Satellite Photos of Japan, Before and After the Quake and Tsunami] ''The New York Times''
* [https://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami] at [[Google Crisis Response]]
* [https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121020104648/http://ias.umn.edu/phenomena/bat-faculty-interviews/japan-in-crisis-2011/ Japan in Crisis: A Series of Interviews with Scholars by Peter Shea at the University of Minnesota]
* [http://www.sciencemag.org/site/feature/data/hottopics/japanquake/ Special: The Tōhoku-Oki Earthquake, Japan] – free-access scientific papers from ''Science'' magazine
* {{Dmoz|Science/Earth_Sciences/Natural_Disasters_and_Hazards/Earthquakes/Past_Earthquakes/Sendai%2C_Japan_2011}}
* [http://www.news-world.us/pics/2011/03/11/japan-gigantic-earthquake-and-tsunami-2011/ Japan Gigantic Earthquake and Tsunami 2011]
* [http://e.nagasaki.mapping.jp/p/japan-earthquake.html The East Japan Earthquake Archive (Testimonies of survivors, Photographs and Videos on Google Earth)]
* [https://www.npr.org/2011/03/18/134658880/Japan-Earthquake-May-Have-Changed-Earths-Axis Gross, Richard. (2011, 19 March) "Japan Earthquake May Have Shifted Earth's Axis" – NPR online]
* [http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/news/tags/index.php/pw:jpnearthquake2011/Great%20East%20Japan%20Earthquake%202011/ PreventionWeb Great East Japan Earthquake 2011 ]
* [http://www9.nhk.or.jp/311shogen/en/ Video archives] from ''[[NHK]]''
* {{YouTube | u = FNN311 | Video archives "Remembering 3/11"}} from [[Fuji News Network|''FNN'']]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170214183702/https://beslider.com/album/japan-tohoku-earthquake-and-tsunami Interactive Comparisons of Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami] at Beslider.com
* {{EQ-isc-link|16461282}}
{{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}}
{{Earthquakes in 2011}}
{{Earthquakes in Japan}}
{{JapanTrenchMegathrust}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2011 Tohoku Earthquake And Tsunami}}
[[Category:2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami| ]]
[[Category:2011 earthquakes|Tohoku]]
[[Category:2011 in Japan|Earthquake]]
[[Category:2011 tsunamis]]
[[Category:Coasts of Japan]]
[[Category:Civilian nuclear power accidents]]
[[Category:Midway Atoll]]
[[Category:History of Tokyo]]
[[Category:Megathrust earthquakes in Japan]]
[[Category:2011 natural disasters in the United States|Tohoku]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in British Columbia]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in California]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Hawaii]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Oregon]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Peru]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Nuclear energy in Japan]]
[[Category:Postwar Japan]]
[[Category:Sendai]]
[[Category:Tōhoku region]]
[[Category:Tsunamis in Chile]]
[[Category:Tsunamis in Japan]]
[[Category:Tsunamis in the United States]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:March 2011 events]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | '{{Redirect|2011 Miyagi earthquake|the aftershock that occurred on 7 April|April 2011 Miyagi earthquake}}
{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox earthquake
| title = 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
| image = SH-60B helicopter flies over Sendai.jpg
| image alt = An aerial view of tsunami damage in Tōhoku
| caption = Smoke from the Sendai [[JX Nippon Oil & Energy|Nippon Oil]] refinery
| map =
| map alt =
| map_caption =
| map2 = {{Location map+|Japan|relief=1|width=260|float=right|border=yes|caption=|places=
{{Location map~|Japan|lat=38.322|long=142.369|mark=Bullseye1.png|marksize=40|position=top}}
{{Location map~|Japan|lat=35.7|long=139.715|label=Tokyo|position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~|Japan|lat=38.26|long=140.87|label=Sendai|position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}}}
| local-date = {{start date and age|df=yes|2011|03|11}}
| local-time = 14:46 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]]
| timestamp = 2011-03-11 05:46:24
| anss-url= official20110311054624120_30
| duration = 6 minutes
| magnitude = 9.0–9.1 ([[Moment magnitude scale|M<sub>w</sub>]])
| depth = {{Convert|29|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| location = {{Coord|38.322|N|142.369|E|type:event_scale:50000000|display=inline,title}}
| type = [[Megathrust earthquake|Megathrust]]
| countries affected = [[Japan]] (shaking, tsunami)<br />[[Pacific Rim]] (tsunami)
| damage = $360 billion [[USD]]
| intensity = [[Mercalli intensity scale|IX (''Violent'')]]
| PGA = 2.99 ''[[peak ground acceleration|g]]''
| PGV = 117.41 cm/s
| tsunami = Up to {{Convert|40.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />in [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]], [[Iwate Prefecture rumour has it a man got a full bird shot on his head at the time of the event|Iwate]], [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| landslide = Yes
| foreshocks = [[List of foreshocks and aftershocks of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake]]
| aftershocks = 13,386 (as of 6 March 2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1803/08d/1802offtohokueq.pdf |title=「平成23年（2011年）東北地方太平洋沖地震」について～７年間の地震活動～ |editor=Japan Meteorological Agency |trans-title="About 2011 Tōhoku earthquake - Seismic activities for 7 years -"|format=PDF|accessdate=2018-06-18}} on 6 March 2018.</ref><!-- The total(計) listed at the end of p. 5 includes the main shock. -->
| casualties = {{2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami casualties dead}}<br />{{2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami casualties injured}}<br />{{2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami casualties missing}}<!--casualties section in body-->
| citations = <ref name="USGS9.0" /><ref name="Asahi-ERI-Takashi" /><ref name=15wcee/><ref>https://www.thebalance.com/japan-s-2011-earthquake-tsunami-and-nuclear-disaster-3305662</ref>
}}
The {{Nihongo|'''2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku'''|東北地方太平洋沖地震|Tōhoku-chihō Taiheiyō Oki Jishin}} was a [[Moment magnitude scale|magnitude]] 9.0–9.1 (M<sub>w</sub>) [[Submarine earthquake|undersea]] [[megathrust earthquake]] off the coast of [[Japan]] that occurred at 14:46 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] (05:46 [[UTC]]) on Friday 11 March 2011,<ref name="USGS9.0">{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/official20110311054624120_30#executive |title=M 9.1 – near the east coast of Honshu, Japan |publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS) |accessdate=9 November 2016 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgj6FuHC?url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0001xgp/ |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="New Scientist">{{Cite journal |url=https://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/powerful-japan-quake-sparks-ts.html |title=Japan's quake updated to magnitude 9.0 |edition=Short Sharp Science |journal=[[New Scientist]] |date=11 March 2011 |first=Michael |last=Reilly |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgjBRle0?url=http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/powerful-japan-quake-sparks-ts.html |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=USGS>{{cite news|title=New USGS number puts Japan quake at 4th largest |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/14/501364/main20043126.shtml |newspaper=[[CBS News]] |agency=Associated Press |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgjFTgf4?url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/14/501364/main20043126.shtml |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> with the [[epicentre]] approximately {{Convert|70|km|mi|0}} east of the [[Oshika Peninsula]] of [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]] and the [[hypocenter]] at an underwater depth of approximately {{Convert|29|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="USGS9.0"/><ref name="BBC1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598 |work=BBC News |title=Tsunami hits north-eastern Japan after massive quake |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7SSocBe?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598 |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
The earthquake is often referred to in Japan as the {{Nihongo|'''Great East Japan Earthquake'''|東日本大震災|Higashi nihon daishinsai}}<ref name="kantei0401">{{cite web|url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/statement/201104/01kaiken_e.html |title=Press Conference by Prime Minister Naoto Kan |publisher=[[Prime Minister of Japan]] and His Cabinet |accessdate=1 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MOXMvL?url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/statement/201104/01kaiken_e.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110402a6.html |work=The Japan Times |title=Kan names quake at pep talk |date=2 April 2011 |accessdate=2 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgiq5T7u?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110402a6.html |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>{{refn|group="fn"|name="fn_1"|In the early days after the earthquake some other names were proposed and used. The Japan Meteorological Agency announced the English name as '''The 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake'''.<ref name="Michael Winter">{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/03/quake-shifted-japan-coast-about-13-feet-knocked-earth-65-inches-off-axis/1 |title=Quake shifted Japan coast about 13 feet, knocked Earth 6.5 inches off axis |author=Michael Winter |date=14 March 2011 |work=USA Today |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wu5DFh?url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/03/quake-shifted-japan-coast-about-13-feet-knocked-earth-65-inches-off-axis/1 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="Japan Meteorological Agency">{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/News/2011_Earthquake_01.html |title=The 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake ~first report~ |publisher=Japan Meteorological Agency |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9gMMWr1?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/News/2011_Earthquake_01.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |date=March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>[http://cais.gsi.go.jp/YOCHIREN/activity/191/191.e.html Abstract of the 191th [sic!] <!-- "191th" instead of "191st" also in original title. --> meeting of CCEP] – website of the Japanese [[Coordinating Committee for Earthquake Prediction]]</ref> NHK<ref name="NHKニュース 東北関東大震災（動画）">{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/ |title=NHKニュース 東北関東大震災（動画） |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9kH20np?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/ |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="仙台放送局 東北関東大震災">{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/saigai/jishin/sendai/4133_1.html |title=仙台放送局 東北関東大震災 |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8MOuSc5?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/saigai/jishin/sendai/4133_1.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> used {{Nihongo|'''Tōhoku Kantō Great Earthquake disaster'''|東北関東大震災|Tōhoku Kantō Daishinsai}}; {{Nihongo|'''Tōhoku-Kantō Great Earthquake'''|東北・関東大地震|Tōhoku-Kantō Daijishin}} was used by Kyodo News,<ref name="東日本大震災 – 一般社団法人 共同通信社 ニュース特集">{{cite news|url=http://www.kyodonews.jp/feature/news04/ |title=東日本大震災 – 一般社団法人 共同通信社 ニュース特集 |agency=Kyodo News |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2x66xFC?url=http://www.kyodonews.jp/feature/news04/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
Tokyo Shimbun<ref>{{cite web|author=【東京】 |url=http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/tokyo/20110312/CK2011031202000013.html |title=東京新聞:収まらぬ余震 …不安 東北・関東大地震:東京(TOKYO Web) |publisher=Tokyo-np.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317002516/http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/tokyo/20110312/CK2011031202000013.html |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> and Chunichi Shimbun;<ref name="【中日新聞からのお知らせ】">{{cite web|author=【中日新聞からのお知らせ】 |url=http://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/release/CK2011031202000067.html |title=中日新聞:災害義援金受け付け 東日本大震災:中日新聞からのお知らせ(CHUNICHI Web) |publisher=Chunichi.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2x7VS0y?url=http://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/release/CK2011031202000067.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> {{Nihongo|'''East Japan Giant Earthquake'''|東日本巨大地震|Higashi Nihon Kyodaijishin}} was used by [[Yomiuri Shimbun]],<ref name="Yomiuri Shimbun">{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/feature/eq2011/ |title=東日本巨大地震 震災掲示板 : 特集 : YOMIURI ONLINE（読売新聞） |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2x8tebC?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/feature/eq2011/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Nihon Keizai Shimbun]]<ref name="Nikkei.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.nikkei.com/news/special/top/q=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E6E2;p=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E1E6;o=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E1E1 |script-title=ja:東日本巨大地震 ：特集 ：日本経済新聞 |language=Japanese |publisher=Nikkei.com |date=1 January 2000 |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2x9UcNY?url=http://www.nikkei.com/news/special/top/q=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E6E2;p=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E1E6;o=9694E3E3E2E1E0E2E3E3E5E3E1E1 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and [[TV Asahi]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/ann/news/web/html/210313015.html |title=【地震】東日本巨大地震を激甚災害指定 政府 |publisher=News.tv-asahi.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317002505/http://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/ann/news/web/html/210313015.html |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> and {{Nihongo|'''East Japan Great Earthquake'''|東日本大地震|Higashi Nihon Daijishin}} was used by [[Nippon Television]],<ref name="東日本大地震 緊急募金受け付け中">{{cite web |url=https://cr.ntv.co.jp/24htv/charity/ |title=東日本大地震 緊急募金受け付け中 |publisher=Cr.ntv.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2xBREvo?url=https://cr.ntv.co.jp/24htv/charity/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[Tokyo FM]]<ref name="Tfm.co.jp">{{cite web|url=http://www.tfm.co.jp/timetable/?date=20110314 |title=番組表 – TOKYO FM 80.0 MHz – 80.Love FM RADIO STATION |publisher=Tfm.co.jp |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2xC2muf?url=http://www.tfm.co.jp/timetable/?date=20110314 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and TV Asahi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kakaku.com/tv/channel=10/programID=4196/episodeID=472647/ |title=「報道特番 ～東日本大地震～」 2011年3月14日（月）放送内容 |publisher=Kakaku.com |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317002459/http://kakaku.com/tv/channel%3D10/programID%3D4196/episodeID%3D472647/ |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>}} and is also known as the '''2011 Tōhoku earthquake''',<ref>[http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2727&from=rss_home USGS Updates Magnitude of Japan's 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake to 9.03] – website of the [[United States Geological Survey]]</ref> and the '''3.11 earthquake'''. It was the most powerful [[List of earthquakes in Japan|earthquake ever recorded in Japan]], and the [[Largest earthquakes by magnitude|fourth most powerful earthquake in the world]] since modern record-keeping began in 1900.<ref name=USGS /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/13/japan-tsunami-earthquake-power-cuts |title=Tsunami, earthquake, nuclear crisis – now Japan faces power cuts |last=Branigan |first=Tania |date=13 March 2011 |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDAT05x0?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/13/japan-tsunami-earthquake-power-cuts/print |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="3news">{{Cite news |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Japan-quake---7th-largest-in-recorded-history/tabid/417/articleID/201998/Default.aspx |title=Japan quake – 7th largest in recorded history |accessdate=11 March 2011 |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOn8fYs?url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Japan-quake---7th-largest-in-recorded-history/tabid/417/articleID/201998/Default.aspx |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
The earthquake triggered powerful [[tsunami]] waves that reached heights of up to {{Convert|40.5|m|ft|0}} in [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]] in Tōhoku's [[Iwate Prefecture]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/13_04.html |title=March 11th tsunami a record 40.5 metres high NHK |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |date=13 August 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728013451/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/13_04.html |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="yomiuri">[[Yomiuri Shimbun]] evening edition 2-11-04-15 page 15, nearby Aneyoshi fishery port (姉吉漁港)(Google map E39 31 57.8, N 142 3 7.6) 2011-04-15, [http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110415-OYT1T00389.htm 大震災の津波、宮古で38.9 m…明治三陸上回る] by okayasu Akio (岡安 章夫) {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aMlkNh?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110415-OYT1T00389.htm |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> and which, in the [[Sendai]] area, traveled up to {{Convert|10|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} inland.<ref name="roland buerk">{{cite news|author=Roland Buerk |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598 |title=Japan earthquake: Tsunami hits north-east |publisher=BBC |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7SSocBe?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598 |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The earthquake moved [[Honshu]] (the main island of Japan) {{Convert|2.4|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} east, shifted the Earth on its axis by estimates of between {{Convert|10|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|25|cm|in|0|abbr=on}},<ref name=DW>{{Cite news |title=Quake shifted Japan by over two metres |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14909967,00.html |work=[[Deutsche Welle]] |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xBeYFfOD?url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14909967,00.html |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /><ref name="Chai" /> increased earth's rotational speed by 1.8 [[µs]] per day,<ref>{{cite web|language = ja|url = http://www.nationalgeographic.co.jp/news/news_article.php?file_id=20110317002&expand&source=gnews|title = 大地震で一日が短縮、軸の振動も変化|publisher = [[National Geographic]]|date = 2011-03-17|accessdate = 2011-03-19|deadurl = yes|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130513233043/http://www.nationalgeographic.co.jp/news/news_article.php?file_id=20110317002&expand&source=gnews|archivedate = 13 May 2013|df = dmy-all}}</ref> and generated [[infrasound]] waves detected in perturbations of the low-orbiting [[GOCE]] satellite.<ref name="esa.int">{{cite web |url= http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/GOCE/GOCE_the_first_seismometer_in_orbit | date=8 March 2013|title=GOCE: The First Seismometer in Orbit |accessdate= 21 August 2016}}</ref>
Initially, the earthquake caused sinking of part of Honshu's Pacific coast by up to roughly a metre, but after about three years, the coast rose back and kept on rising to exceed its original height.<ref>[http://imakawa.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/9f13afd3f43e4db8a55e43ae8294c9fe.pdf 未来を考える力を 気仙沼復興レポート㉘ 地盤の沈下と隆起] 2016-06-11 今川 悟</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/videonews/jnn?a=20141011-00000027-jnn-soci |title= 震災で沈下の地盤が隆起、高すぎる岸壁に漁師困惑 |archivedate=2014-10-11|archiveurl=https://archive.fo/20141011180532/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/videonews/jnn?a=20141011-00000027-jnn-soci|accessdate=2017-11-02|date=2014-10-11|publisher=TBS Newsi}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGKKASDG20HAE_Y5A300C1CR8000/ 地盤が隆起 漁業者困惑 最大40センチ、積み荷に影響 三陸沿岸で地殻変動か] Nikkei 2015-03-09</ref><ref>[https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLZO13400150W7A220C1TJM000/ 東北沿岸、地震で沈んだ地盤が謎の隆起 マントル影響か] Nikkei 2017-02-27</ref>
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The latest report from the Japanese [[National Police Agency (Japan)|National Police Agency]] report confirms {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties dead}} {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties injured}} and {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties missing}} across twenty [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]], and a report from 2015 indicated 228,863 people were still living away from their home in either temporary housing or due to permanent relocation.<ref>{{cite news|title=4th Anniversary today|publisher=Kobe Shinbun|date=11 March 2015|page=1}}</ref> A March 2018 agency report listed 121,776 buildings totally collapsed, with a further 280,923 buildings "half collapsed", and another 726,574 buildings partially damaged.<ref name="npajproperty">[http://www.npa.go.jp/archive/keibi/biki/higaijokyo_e.pdf "Damage Situation and Police Countermeasures... 9 March 2018"] National Police Agency of Japan. Retrieved 19 March 2018.</ref> The earthquake and tsunami also caused extensive and severe structural damage in north-eastern Japan, including heavy damage to roads and railways as well as fires in many areas, and a dam collapse.<ref name="roland buerk"/><ref>Saira Syed – [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12756379 "Japan quake: Infrastructure damage will delay recovery"] – 16 March 2011 – ''BBC News'' – Retrieved 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xF8vSig6?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12756379 |date=17 March 2011 }}</ref> [[Japanese Prime Minister]] [[Naoto Kan]] said, "In the 65 years after the end of World War II, this is the toughest and the most difficult crisis for Japan."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/13/japan.quake/index.html?iref=NS1 |title=Japanese PM: 'Toughest' crisis since World War II |publisher=CNN |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOp7djK?url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/13/japan.quake/index.html?iref=NS1 |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Around 4.4 million households in northeastern Japan were left without electricity and 1.5 million without water.<ref name="waterfoodheat">{{Cite news|title=Millions Of Stricken Japanese Lack Water, Food, Heat |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/03/14/134527591/millions-of-stricken-japanese-lack-water-food-heat |publisher=[[NPR]] |accessdate=16 March 2011 |author=NPR Staff and Wires |date=14 March 2011 |quote=Nearly 1.5 million households had gone without water since the quake struck. |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOlpZ9p?url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/14/134527591/millions-of-stricken-japanese-lack-water-food-heat |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
The tsunami caused [[2011 Japanese nuclear accidents|nuclear accidents]], primarily the [[International Nuclear Event Scale|level 7]] [[Nuclear meltdown|meltdown]]s at three reactors in the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant]] complex, and the associated evacuation zones affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|author=the CNN Wire Staff |url=http://www.ktvz.com/news/28143212/detail.html |title=Japan: 3 Nuclear Reactors Melted Down – News Story – KTVZ Bend |publisher=Ktvz.com |date=6 June 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014644/http://www.ktvz.com/news/28143212/detail.html |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/06/06/japan.nuclear.meltdown/index.html |title=3 nuclear reactors melted down after quake, Japan confirms |publisher=CNN |accessdate=6 June 2011 |date=7 June 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120725071232/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/06/06/japan.nuclear.meltdown/index.html| archivedate=25 July 2012| deadurl= no}}</ref> Many electrical generators were taken down, and at least three nuclear reactors [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|suffered explosions]] due to hydrogen gas that had built up within their outer containment buildings after cooling system failure resulting from the loss of electrical power. Residents within a {{Convert|20|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and a {{Convert|10|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} radius of the [[Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant]] were evacuated.
Early estimates placed insured losses from the earthquake alone at US$14.5 to $34.6 billion.<ref>{{cite news |author=Molly Hennessy-Fiske |work=Los Angeles Times |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |title=Japan earthquake: Insurance cost for quake alone pegged at $35 billion, AIR says |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-japan-quake-insurance-20110314,0,866931.story |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xANKSW3Y?url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-japan-quake-insurance-20110314,0,866931.story |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[Bank of Japan]] offered [[Japanese yen|¥]]15 trillion (US$183 billion) to the banking system on 14 March in an effort to normalize market conditions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110314/wl_nm/us_japan_quake |title=New explosion shakes stricken Japanese nuclear plant |last=Uranaka |first=Taiga |author2=Kwon, Ki Joon |date=14 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xD9XGJub?url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110314/wl_nm/us_japan_quake/print |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[World Bank]]'s estimated economic cost was US$235 billion, making it the [[List of disasters by cost|costliest natural disaster in history]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Zhang |first=Bo |title=Top 5 Most Expensive Natural Disasters in History |url=http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/47459/top-5-most-expensive-natural-d.asp |website=AccuWeather.com |publisher=News & Video |accessdate=29 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOslCyp?url=http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/47459/top-5-most-expensive-natural-d.asp |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Victoria Kim |work=Los Angeles Times |date=21 March 2011 |accessdate=21 March 2011 |title=Japan damage could reach $235 billion, World Bank estimates |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fgw-japan-quake-world-bank-20110322,0,3799976.story |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOqplDu?url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fgw-japan-quake-world-bank-20110322,0,3799976.story |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
==Earthquake==
[[File:A seismogram of 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.jpg|thumb|left|A seismogram recorded in [[Massachusetts]], USA]]
[[File:C0001xgp wcmt smt.png|thumb|A visual depiction of the [[Focal mechanism|type of faulting]] that caused the main tremor, low-angle [[Thrust fault|thrusting]] on a west-dipping [[Fault (geology)|fault plane]]]]
The 9.1-[[Moment magnitude scale|magnitude]] ([[Moment magnitude scale|M<sub>w</sub>]]) [[Submarine earthquake|undersea]] [[megathrust earthquake]] occurred on 11 March 2011 at 14:46 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] (05:46 UTC) in the north-western Pacific Ocean at a relatively shallow depth of {{convert|32|km|mi|abbr=on}},<ref name=USGS9.0 /><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers Japan earthquake and tsunami: what happened and why|World news]. The Guardian. Retrieved on 3 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7mIOCfm?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers |date=12 March 2011 }}</ref> with its [[epicenter]] approximately {{convert|72|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of the [[Oshika Peninsula]] of [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]], Japan, lasting approximately six minutes.<ref name="Asahi-ERI-Takashi">{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/science/update/0317/TKY201103170129.html |title=震災の揺れは６分間 キラーパルス少なく 東大地震研 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=17 March 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MQJnhj?url=http://www.asahi.com/science/update/0317/TKY201103170129.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="USGS9.0" /> The earthquake was initially reported as 7.9 M<sub>w</sub> by the [[USGS]] before it was quickly upgraded to 8.8 M<sub>w</sub>, then to 8.9 M<sub>w</sub>,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/japan-quake-usgs-idUSN1120429420110311 |title=UPDATE 3-USGS upgrades Japan quake to 8.9 magnitude |agency=Reuters |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2011 |first=Anthony |last=Boadle |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MUMCsU?url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/japan-quake-usgs-idUSN1120429420110311 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and then finally to 9.0 M<sub>w</sub>.<ref name="New Scientist" /><ref name="USGS-9.0-Update">{{cite web|url=http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2727 |title=USGS Updates Magnitude of Japan's 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake to 9.0 |publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS) |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xC2zNlat?url=http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2727 |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> On 11 July 2016, the USGS further upgraded the earthquake to 9.1. [[Sendai]] was the nearest major city to the earthquake, {{convert|130|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the epicenter; the earthquake occurred {{convert|373|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Tokyo]].<ref name="USGS9.0" />
The main earthquake was preceded by a number of large [[foreshock]]s, with hundreds of [[aftershock]]s reported. One of the first major foreshocks was a 7.2 M<sub>w</sub> event on 9 March, approximately {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the epicenter of 11 March earthquake, with another three on the same day in excess of 6.0 M<sub>w</sub>.<ref name="USGS9.0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-japan-earthquake-tsunami-big-one-science/ |title=Japan Earthquake Not the "Big One"? |last=Lovett |first=Richard A. |date=14 March 2011 |work=[[National Geographic News]] |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDGM2J50?url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-japan-earthquake-tsunami-big-one-science/ |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Following the main earthquake on 11 March, a 7.4 M<sub>w</sub> aftershock was reported at 15:08 JST (6:06 UTC), succeeded by a 7.9 M<sub>w</sub> at 15:15 JST (6:16 UTC) and a 7.7 M<sub>w</sub> at 15:26 JST (6:26 UTC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tenki.jp/earthquake/detail-3612.html |title=地震情報 – 2011年3月10日 15時6分 – 日本気象協会 tenki.jp |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MROEAe?url=http://tenki.jp/earthquake/detail-3612.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}{{cite web|url=http://tenki.jp/earthquake/detail-3616.html |title=地震情報 – 2011年3月11日 15時15分 – 日本気象協会 tenki.jp |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MROEAe?url=http://tenki.jp/earthquake/detail-3612.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Over eight hundred aftershocks of magnitude 4.5 M<sub>w</sub> or greater have occurred since the initial quake,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/quake_singendo_index.html |title=Earthquake Information |accessdate=11 March 2011 |publisher=Japan Meteorological Agency |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7vVCywI?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/quake_singendo_index.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> including one on 26 October 2013 (local time) of magnitude 7.1 M<sub>w</sub>.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/10/25/earthquake_strikes_near_fukushima_region_of_japan.html |title=Earthquake strikes near Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant; no reports of damage |agency=AP|date=25 October 2013|accessdate=25 October 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025232609/http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/10/25/earthquake_strikes_near_fukushima_region_of_japan.html |archivedate=25 October 2013 |quote=A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck early Saturday morning off Japan's east coast [...] Japan's meteorological agency said the quake was an aftershock of the magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck the same area in 2011. |location=Toronto |work=The Star}}</ref> Aftershocks follow [[Aftershocks#Omori's law|Omori's law]], which states that the rate of aftershocks declines with the reciprocal of the time since the main quake. The aftershocks will thus taper off in time, but could continue for years.<ref name=CBSMcNutt />
===Geology===
[[File:Map of Sendai Earthquake 2011.jpg|thumb|Tōhoku earthquake and aftershocks from 11 to 14 March]]
[[File:SeismicAreas JapanTrenchEarthquakes.png|thumb|Hypocentral region boundaries (Source: The Japanese Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion)]]
This megathrust earthquake was a recurrence of the mechanism of the earlier [[869 Sanriku earthquake]], which has been estimated as having a magnitude of at least 8.4 M<sub>w</sub>, which also created a large tsunami that inundated the Sendai plain.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Sawai |first=Yuki |last2=Namegaya |first2=Yuichi |date= 9 November 2012 |title=Challenges of anticipating the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami using coastal geology |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258647207 |journal=Geophysical Research Letters |volume=39 |issue= 21|page=L21309 |doi=10.1029/2012GL053692 |access-date=26 May 2015|bibcode = 2012GeoRL..3921309S }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Goto |first=Kazuhisa |last2=Chagué-Goff |first2=Catherine |date=29 August 2012 |title=The future of tsunami research following the 2011 Tōhoku-oki event |url=http://home.hisf.no/steinbo/Marine%20geohazards/Goto_Sedimentary%20Geology_Tohoku_Tsunami_2012.pdf |journal=Sedimentary Geology |volume=282 |issue= |pages=1-13 |doi=10.1016/j.sedgeo.2012.08.003 |access-date=26 May 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528095244/http://home.hisf.no/steinbo/Marine%20geohazards/Goto_Sedimentary%20Geology_Tohoku_Tsunami_2012.pdf |archivedate=28 May 2015 |df= |bibcode=2012SedG..282....1G }}</ref> Three tsunami deposits have been identified within the Holocene sequence of the plain, all formed within the last 3,000 years, suggesting an 800 to 1,100 year recurrence interval for large tsunamigenic earthquakes. In 2001 it was reckoned that there was a high likelihood of a large tsunami hitting the Sendai plain as more than 1,100 years had then elapsed.<ref name="Minoura">{{cite journal|last=Minoura|first=K.|author2=[[Fumihiko Imamura|Imamura F.]] |author3=Sugawara D. |author4=Kono Y. |author5=Iwashita T.|year=2001|title=The 869 Jōgan tsunami deposit and recurrence interval of large-scale tsunami on the Pacific coast of northeast Japan|journal=Journal of Natural Disaster Science|volume=23|issue=2|pages=83–88|url=http://www.jsnds.org/contents/jnds/23_2_3.pdf|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> In 2007, the probability of an earthquake with a magnitude of M<sub>w</sub> 8.1–8.3 was estimated as 99% within the following 30 years.<ref name="Satake">{{cite journal|title=Tsunami source of the unusual AD 869 earthquake off Miyagi, Japan, inferred from tsunami deposits and numerical simulation of inundation|volume=31|pages=T31G–03|last=Satake|first=K.|authorlink=Kenji Satake|author2=Sawai, Y. |author3=Shishikura, M. |author4=Okamura, Y. |author5=Namegaya, Y. |author6=Yamaki, S.|year=2007|journal=American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2007, Abstract #T31G-03|bibcode=2007AGUFM.T31G..03S}}</ref>
This earthquake occurred where the [[Pacific Plate]] is [[Subduction|subducting]] under the plate beneath northern Honshu.<ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13">{{Cite news |first=Kenneth|last=Chang|title=Quake Moves Japan Closer to U.S. and Alters Earth's Spin |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14seismic.html |work=The New York Times |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=14 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110316002603/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14seismic.html| archivedate= 16 March 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref><ref name="grauniad">{{cite news|author=Ian Sample |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers |title=newspaper: Japan earthquake and tsunami: what happened and why |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7mIOCfm?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The Pacific plate, which moves at a rate of 8 to 9 cm (3.1 to 3.5 in) per year, dips under Honshu's underlying plate, building large amounts of elastic energy. This motion pushes the upper plate down until the accumulated stress causes a seismic slip-rupture event. The break caused the sea floor to rise by several metres.<ref name="grauniad" /> A quake of this magnitude usually has a rupture length of at least {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}} and generally requires a long, relatively straight fault surface. Because the plate boundary and [[subduction zone]] in the area of the Honshu rupture is not very straight, it is unusual for the magnitude of its earthquake to exceed 8.5 M<sub>w</sub>; the magnitude of this earthquake was a surprise to some seismologists.<ref>{{cite news |last=Maugh |first=Thomas H |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-japan-earthquake-20110310,0,7154967.story |title=Size of Japan's quake surprises seismologists |work=Los Angeles Times |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MUsywX?url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-japan-earthquake-20110310,0,7154967.story |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[Hypocenter|hypocentral region]] of this earthquake extended from offshore [[Iwate Prefecture]] to offshore [[Ibaraki Prefecture]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20110312/t10014615121000.html |title=地震調査委 想定外の連動地震 NHKニュース |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVeL1VKT?url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?&q=cache%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fsummer-heart-0930.chufeiyun1688.workers.dev%3A443%2Fhttp%2Fwww3.nhk.or.jp%2Fnews%2Fhtml%2F20110312%2Ft10014615121000.html |archivedate=28 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> The [[Japanese Meteorological Agency]] said that the earthquake may have ruptured the fault zone from Iwate to Ibaraki with a length of {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}} and a width of {{convert|200|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=soc&k=2011031100807&j1 |title=時事ドットコム：Ｍ８．８、死者３００人超＝行方不明５４０人以上−大津波１０ｍ・宮城で震度７ |publisher=Jiji.com |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MVTwjm?url=http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=soc&k=2011031100807&j1 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/ |title=気象庁"マグニチュードは９．０" NHKニュース |publisher=.nhk.or.jp |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVZxTBtQ?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/ |archivedate=27 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Analysis showed that this earthquake consisted of a set of three events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103130302.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：地殻破壊３連鎖、計６分 専門家、余震拡大に警鐘 – 東日本大震災 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MVqKoJ?url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103130302.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Other major earthquakes with tsunamis struck the [[Sanriku Coast]] region [[1896 Meiji-Sanriku earthquake|in 1896]] and [[1933 Sanriku earthquake|in 1933]].
The source area of this earthquake has a relatively high coupling coefficient surrounded by areas of relatively low coupling coefficients in the west, north, and south. From the averaged coupling coefficient of 0.5–0.8 in the source area and the seismic moment, it was estimated that the slip deficit of this earthquake was accumulated over a period of 260–880 years, which is consistent with the recurrence interval of such great earthquakes estimated from the tsunami deposit data. The seismic moment of this earthquake accounts for about 93% of the estimated cumulative moment from 1926 to March 2011. Hence, earthquakes with magnitudes about 7 since 1926 in this area only had released part of the accumulated energy. In the area near the trench, the coupling coefficient is high, which could act as the source of the large tsunami.<ref>[http://www.aob.geophys.tohoku.ac.jp/download/ronbun/EPS_uchida2011.pdf ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207195402/http://www.aob.geophys.tohoku.ac.jp/download/ronbun/EPS_uchida2011.pdf |date=7 December 2011 }}</ref>
Most of the foreshocks are interplate earthquakes with thrust-type focal mechanisms. Both interplate and intraplate earthquakes appeared in the aftershocks offshore Sanriku coast with considerable proportions.<ref>"Spatial distribution and focal mechanisms of aftershocks of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake" by Y. Asano, T. Saito, Y. Ito, K. Shiomi, H. Hirose, T. Matsumoto, S. Aoi, S. Hori, and S. Sekiguchi.</ref>
The strong ground motion registered at the maximum of 7 on the [[Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale]] in [[Kurihara, Miyagi|Kurihara]], [[Miyagi Prefecture]].<ref name="jma" /> Three other prefectures—[[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]] and [[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]]—recorded an upper 6 on the JMA scale. Seismic stations in [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]] and [[Chiba Prefecture]] measured a lower 6, recording an upper 5 in Tokyo.
In [[Russia]], the main shock could be felt in [[Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk]] (MSK 4) and [[Kurilsk]] (MSK 4). The aftershock at 06:25 UTC could be felt in [[Yuzhno-Kurilsk]] (MSK 5) and Kurilsk (MSK 4).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceme.gsras.ru/cgi-bin/info_quakee.pl?mode=1&id=165 |title=Quake | info |publisher=Ceme.gsras.ru |accessdate=7 September 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014651/http://www.ceme.gsras.ru/cgi-bin/info_quakee.pl?mode=1&id=165| archivedate= 28 July 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
===Energy===
[[File:2011 Japan Earthquake Tokyo Tower.jpg|thumb|Damage to the antenna of [[Tokyo Tower]]]]
The [[Moment magnitude scale#Radiated seismic energy|surface energy]] of the seismic waves from the earthquake was calculated to be at {{nowrap|1.9×10<sup>17</sup>}} [[joule]]s,<ref>{{cite web |title=The 2011 Japan Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Disaster |date=24 October 2012 |url=http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2011/ph240/kitanidis2/ |accessdate=21 June 2015}}</ref> which is nearly double that of the 9.1 M<sub>w</sub> [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]] that killed 230,000 people. If harnessed, the seismic energy from this earthquake would power a city the size of Los Angeles for an entire year.<ref name=CBSMcNutt>{{Cite video|people=Marcia McNutt |title=Energy from quake: if harnessed, could power L.A. for a year |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C7KKwIMapw |date=12 March 2011 |publisher=CBS News via YouTube (Google) |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MqdDhf?url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C7KKwIMapw |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[seismic moment]] (M<sub>0</sub>), which represents a physical size for the event, was calculated by the USGS at 3.9×10<sup>22</sup> joules,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0001xgp/neic_c0001xgp_wmt.php |title=USGS.gov: USGS WPhase Moment Solution |publisher=Earthquake.usgs.gov |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9dgiIL8?url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0001xgp/neic_c0001xgp_wmt.php |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> slightly less than the 2004 Indian Ocean quake.
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Japan's National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) calculated a [[peak ground acceleration]] of 2.99 [[g-force|''g'']] (29.33 m/s<sup>2</sup>).<ref>{{cite web|title=Preliminary report of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake |author=Okada Yoshimitsu |url=http://www.bosai.go.jp/e/pdf/Preliminary_report110328.pdf|publisher=National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) |date=25 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref>{{refn|The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami has been assigned GLIDE identifier EQ-2011-000028-JPN by the Asian Disaster Reduction Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adrc.asia/view_disaster_en.php?NationCode=392&lang=en&KEY=1497 |title=Asian Disaster Reduction Center（ADRC） |publisher=Adrc.asia |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MsCIA1?url=http://www.adrc.asia/view_disaster_en.php?NationCode=392&lang=en&KEY=1497 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adrc.asia/project/index.html#glide |title=Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) Information Sharing on Disaster Reduction |publisher=Adrc.asia |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MtBBY3?url=http://www.adrc.asia/project/index.html#glide |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>|name="fn_2"|group="fn"}} The largest individual recording in Japan was 2.7 g, in Miyagi Prefecture, 75 km from the epicentre; the highest reading in the Tokyo metropolitan area was 0.16 g.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nsmp.wr.usgs.gov/ekalkan/Tohoku/index.html |title=March 11, 2011 M9.0 Tōhoku, Japan Earthquake: Preliminary results |author1=Erol Kalkan |author2=Volkan Sevilgen |website=United States Geological Survey |date=17 March 2011 |accessdate=22 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xb6DokSo?url=http://nsmp.wr.usgs.gov/ekalkan/Tohoku/index.html |archivedate=31 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Geophysical effects===
Portions of northeastern Japan shifted by as much as {{convert|2.4|m}} closer to [[North America]],<ref name=DW /><ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /> making some sections of Japan's landmass wider than before.<ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /> Those areas of Japan closest to the epicenter experienced the largest shifts.<ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /> A {{convert|400|km|mi|adj=mid}} stretch of coastline dropped vertically by {{convert|0.6|m}}, allowing the tsunami to travel farther and faster onto land.<ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /> One early estimate suggested that the Pacific plate may have moved westward by up to {{convert|20|m}},<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12732335 |title=How the quake has moved Japan |last=Rincon |first=Paul |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xBwc3YC9?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12732335 |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and another early estimate put the amount of slippage at as much as 40 m (130 ft).<ref>{{Cite news|title=Japan quake fault may have moved 40 metres |url=https://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/giant-quake-was-small-for-its.html |last=Reilly |first=Michael |publisher=New Scientist |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7qjBk9N?url=http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/giant-quake-was-small-for-its.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> On 6 April the Japanese coast guard said that the quake shifted the seabed near the epicenter {{convert|24|metres}} and elevated the seabed off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture by {{convert|3|metres}}.<ref>[http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE73607620110407?irpc=932 Japan seabed shifted 24 metres after March quake | Reuters.com] {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MvhQKd?url=http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE73607620110407?irpc=932 |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> A report by the [[Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology]], published in ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]'' on 2 December 2011, concluded that the seabed in the area between the epicenter and the [[Japan Trench]] moved {{convert|50|metres}} east-southeast and rose about {{convert|7|metres}} as a result of the quake. The report also stated that the quake had caused several major landslides on the seabed in the affected area.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "March temblor shifted seabed by {{convert|50|metres}}", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 3 December 2011, p. 1.</ref>
[[File:Soil-liquefaction at Shinkiba after 2011 Tohoku Pacific Ocean offshore earthquake.jpg|thumb|left|[[Soil liquefaction]] in [[Koto, Tokyo|Kōtō]], Tokyo]]
The Earth's [[Rotation around a fixed axis|axis]] shifted by estimates of between {{Convert|10|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|25|cm|in|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=DW /><ref name="NYTimes-Chang2011-03-13" /><ref name="Chai" /> This deviation led to a number of small planetary changes, including the [[Earth's rotation|length of a day]], the [[Axial tilt#Obliquity|tilt of the Earth]], and the [[Chandler wobble]].<ref name="Chai">{{Cite news |url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Japan+quake+shifts+earth+axis+centimetres/4426356/story.html |title=Japan's quake shifts earth's axis by 25 centimetres |last=Chai |first=Carmen |date=11 March 2011 |work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|Montreal Gazette]] |publisher=[[Postmedia News]] |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x95t0CLU?url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Japan+quake+shifts+earth+axis+centimetres/4426356/story.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The speed of the Earth's rotation increased, shortening the day by 1.8 [[microsecond]]s due to the redistribution of Earth's mass.<ref name="day length">{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/13/scitech/main20042590.shtml |title=Earth's day length shortened by Japan earthquake |date=13 March 2011 |publisher=[[CBS News]] |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xA17PHMv?url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/13/scitech/main20042590.shtml |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The axial shift was caused by the redistribution of mass on the Earth's surface, which changed the planet's [[moment of inertia]]. Because of [[conservation of angular momentum]], such changes of [[inertia]] result in small changes to the Earth's rate of rotation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/23degrees/2011/03/can_an_earthquake_shift_the_ea.html |title=Can an earthquake shift the Earth's axis? |last=Harris |first=Bethan |date=14 March 2011 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xC0a1ZWs?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/23degrees/2011/03/can_an_earthquake_shift_the_ea.html |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> These are expected changes<ref name="Chai" /> for an earthquake of this magnitude.<ref name=DW /><ref name="day length" /> The earthquake also generated infrasound waves detected by perturbations in the orbit of the [[GOCE]] satellite, which thus [[Role of chance in scientific discoveries|serendipitously]] became the first seismograph in orbit.<ref name="esa.int"/>
[[Soil liquefaction]] was evident in areas of [[reclaimed land]] around Tokyo, particularly in [[Urayasu, Chiba|Urayasu]],<ref>Fukue, Natsuko, "[https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/03/30/national/liquefaction-driving-away-chiba-residents/ Liquefaction driving away Chiba residents]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 30 March 2012, p. 3.</ref><ref>Fukue, Natsuko, "[https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2011/04/08/national/urayasu-still-dealing-with-liquefaction/ Urayasu still dealing with liquefaction]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 8 April 2011, p. 4. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xrXvNqLX?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110408f3.html |date=11 April 2011 }}</ref> [[Chiba, Chiba|Chiba City]], [[Funabashi, Chiba|Funabashi]], [[Narashino, Chiba|Narashino]] (all in [[Chiba Prefecture]]) and in the [[Koto, Tokyo|Koto]], [[Edogawa, Tokyo|Edogawa]], [[Minato, Tokyo|Minato]], [[Chūō, Tokyo|Chūō]], and [[Ōta, Tokyo|Ōta]] Wards of Tokyo. Approximately 30 homes or buildings were destroyed and 1,046 other buildings were damaged to varying degrees.<ref>''[[Yomiuri Shimbun]]'', "Liquefaction Damage Widespread", 10 April 2011.</ref> Nearby [[Haneda Airport]], built mostly on reclaimed land, was not damaged. [[Odaiba]] also experienced liquefaction, but damage was minimal.<ref>[[Bloomberg L.P.]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110324n2.html Tokyo Disneyland's parking lot shows the risk of reclaimed land]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 24 March 2011, p. 3. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MwHCYB?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110324n2.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[Shinmoedake]], a volcano in [[Kyushu]], erupted three days after the earthquake. The volcano had previously erupted in January 2011; it is not known if the later eruption was linked to the earthquake.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-japan-quake-volcano-20110314,0,2486939.story |title=Volcano in southern Japan erupts |last=Hennessy-Fiske |first=Molly |date=13 March 2011 |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAFMNiQh?url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-japan-quake-volcano-20110314,0,5490141,print.story |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> In [[Antarctica]], the seismic waves from the earthquake were reported to have caused the [[Whillans Ice Stream]] to slip by about {{convert|0.5|m}}.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20245-japan-quake-shifts-antarctic-glacier.html |title=Japan quake shifts Antarctic glacier |last=Ananthaswamy |first=Anil |date=15 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDBTxHjf?url=http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20245-japan-quake-shifts-antarctic-glacier.html |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[File:Shindomap 2011-03-11 Tohoku earthquake.png|thumb|[[Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale|Seismic intensity]] observations resulting from mainshock]]
The first sign international researchers had that the earthquake caused such a dramatic change in the Earth's rotation came from the United States Geological Survey which monitors Global Positioning Satellite stations across the world. The Survey team had several GPS monitors located near the scene of the earthquake. The GPS station located nearest the epicenter moved almost {{convert|4|m|abbr=on}}. This motivated government researchers to look into other ways the earthquake may have had large scale effects on the planet. Calculations at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory determined that the Earth's rotation was changed by the earthquake to the point where the days are now 1.8 [[microsecond]]s shorter.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gross |first=Richard |date=19 March 2011 |title=Japan Earthquake May Have Shifted Earth's Axis |publisher=NPR online |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/03/18/134658880/Japan-Earthquake-May-Have-Changed-Earths-Axis}}</ref>
===Aftershocks===
{{Further|List of foreshocks and aftershocks of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake}}
Japan experienced over 1,000 aftershocks since the earthquake, with 80 registering over magnitude 6.0 M<sub>w</sub> and several of which have been over magnitude 7.0 M<sub>w</sub>.
A magnitude 7.4 M<sub>w</sub> at 15:08 (JST), 7.9 M<sub>w</sub> at 15:15 and a 7.7 M<sub>w</sub> quake at 15:26 all occurred on 11 March.<ref>[https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0002ksa/ Magnitude 7.1 – NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN] {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MxQDPs?url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0002ksa.php |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
A month later, a [[April 2011 Miyagi earthquake|major aftershock]] struck offshore on 7 April with a magnitude of 7.1 M<sub>w</sub>. Its epicenter was underwater, {{convert|66|km|mi|abbr=on}} off the coast of Sendai. The [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] assigned a magnitude of 7.4 M<sub>JMA</sub>, while the [[U.S. Geological Survey]] lowered it to 7.1 M<sub>w</sub>.<ref>{{cite news|last=The CNN Wire Staff |title=Fresh quake triggers tsunami warning in Japan |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/07/japan.quake/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1 |publisher=CNN |accessdate=7 April 2011 |date=8 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xpZoe7C3?url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/07/japan.quake/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1 |archivedate=10 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> At least four people were killed, and electricity was cut off across much of northern Japan including the loss of external power to [[Higashidōri Nuclear Power Plant]] and [[Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/230989/four-dead-as-new-tremor-hits-japan-disaster-zone |title=Four dead as new tremor hits Japan disaster zone |website=Bangkok Post |date=8 April 2011 |accessdate=8 April 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima070411.html Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log], [[IAEA]], 7 April 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aBJR1u?url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima070411.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[[NHK]], "Strong aftershock kills four", 12 April 2011.</ref>
Four days later on 11 April, another [[April 2011 Fukushima earthquake|magnitude 7.1 M<sub>w</sub> aftershock]] struck Fukushima, causing additional damage and killing a total of three people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0002n9v.php |title=Magnitude 6.6 – EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN |publisher=Earthquake.usgs.gov |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014632/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0002n9v.php |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-11/world/japan.quake_1_fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-tsunami-quake |title=At least 6 killed in new Japan earthquake |publisher=[[CNN World News]] |author=CNN Wire Staff |date=11 April 2011 |accessdate=23 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602012159/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-11/world/japan.quake_1_fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-tsunami-quake |archivedate=2 June 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
On 7 December 2012 a [[2012 Kamaishi earthquake|large aftershock of magnitude 7.3 M<sub>w</sub>]] caused a minor tsunami, and again on 26 October 2013 small tsunami waves were recorded after a 7.1 M<sub>w</sub> aftershock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/articles/TKY201310250777.html |script-title=ja:３県で津波観測、注意報を解除 福島沖でＭ７．１：朝日新聞デジタル |publisher=[[Asahi Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=26 October 2013 |accessdate=15 July 2014|language=ja}}</ref>
As of 16 March 2012 aftershocks continued, totaling 1887 events over magnitude 4.0; a regularly updated map showing all shocks of magnitude 4.5 and above near or off the east coast of Honshu in the last seven days<ref>{{cite web |url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Maps/10/140_35.php |title=USGS 10-degree Map Centered at 35°N,140°E of earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or over |publisher=Earthquake.usgs.gov |date=2 December 2009 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014636/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Maps/10/140_35.php |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref> showed over 20 events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/honshu_11mar2011.shtml |title=Tōhoku, Japan 2011 Tsunami |publisher=ngdc.noaa.gov |date= |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref>
{{Asof|2016|3|11}} there had been 869 aftershocks of 5.0 M<sub>w</sub> or greater, 118 of 6.0 M<sub>w</sub> or greater, and 9 over 7.0 M<sub>w</sub> as reported by the Japanese Meteorological Agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/2011_03_11_tohoku/aftershock/|script-title=ja:気象庁｜Ｍ5.0以上の余震回数 |publisher=Japan Meteorological Agency |date= |accessdate=4 November 2016|language=ja}}</ref>
The number of aftershocks was associated with decreased health across Japan.<ref>{{Cite journal|author1=Sugimoto T.|author2= Shinozaki T.|author3=Miyamoto Y.|title= Aftershocks Associated With Impaired Health Caused by the Great East Japan Disaster Among Youth Across Japan: A National Cross-Sectional Survey Interact J Med Res 2013;2(2):e31|journal= Interactive Journal of Medical Research|volume= 2|issue= 2|pages= e31|url=http://www.i-jmr.org/2013/2/e31/ |doi= 10.2196/ijmr.2585|pmid= 24362519|pmc= 3875891|year= 2013}}</ref>
===Earthquake Warning System===
One minute before the earthquake was felt in Tokyo, the [[Earthquake Early Warning (Japan)|Earthquake Early Warning]] system, which includes more than 1,000 [[seismometer]]s in Japan, sent out warnings of impending strong shaking to millions. It is believed that the early warning by the [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] (JMA) saved many lives.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Alert+sounded+minute+before+tremor+struck/4425621/story.html |title=Alert sounded a minute before the tremor struck |last=Foster |first=Peter |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x74xLDTb?url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Alert%20sounded%20minute%20before%20tremor%20struck/4425621/story.html |archivedate=11 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/35090/?p1=A3 |title=80 Seconds of Warning for Tokyo |last=Talbot |first=David |work=MIT Technology Review |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MUGrLQ?url=http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/35090/?p1=A3 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The warning for the general public was delivered about 8 seconds after the first [[P wave]] was detected, or about 31 seconds after the earthquake occurred. However, the estimated intensities were smaller than the actual ones in some places, especially in Kanto, [[Koshinetsu]], and Northern Tōhoku regions where the populace warning did not trigger. According to the JMA {{ill|Meteorological Research Institute|ja|気象研究所}}, reasons for the underestimation include a saturated magnitude scale when using maximum amplitude as input, failure to fully take into account the area of the [[hypocenter]], and the initial amplitude of the earthquake being less than that which would be predicted by an empirical relationship.<ref>干場充之 (2011) [http://www2.jpgu.org/meeting/2011/yokou/MIS036-P67.pdf 経験則からのずれ ―はじめの数秒と強震動：τc, Pd，スペクトル，簡易震源域推定方法―] 日本地球惑星科学連合 2011年 MIS036-P67</ref><ref>[http://www2.jpgu.org/meeting/2011/yokou/MIS036-P66.pdf 緊急地震速報と観測された震度の特徴] JMA {{ill|Meteorological Research Institute|ja|気象研究所}} 日本地球惑星連合 2011年予稿集</ref><ref name="zisin.64.155">干場充之、尾崎友亮：[http://doi.org/10.4294/zisin.64.155 2011年東北地方太平洋沖地震での緊急地震速報と津波警報] 地震 第2輯 Vol.64 (2011–2012) No.3 P155-168</ref>
There were also cases where large differences between estimated intensities by the Earthquake Early Warning system and the actual intensities occurred in the aftershocks and triggered earthquakes. Such discrepancies in the warning were attributed by the JMA to the system's inability to distinguish between two different earthquakes that happened at around same time, as well as to the reduced number of reporting seismometers due to power outages and connection fails.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1103/29a/eew_hyouka.pdf |script-title=ja:報道発表資料平成23年3月29日 |website=Japan Meteorological Agency |year=2011 |accessdate=15 July 2014|language=ja}}</ref> The system's software was subsequently modified to handle this kind of situation.<ref>{{cite press release|title = 緊急地震速報の改善について|publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency|date = 2011-08-10|url =http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1108/10a/eew_kaizen.html|accessdate = 2011-08-10}}</ref>
==Tsunami==
[[File:2011Sendai-NOAA-Energylhvpd9-05.jpg|thumb|[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] tsunami energy map]]
An upthrust of {{convert|6|to|8|m}} along a {{convert|180|km}} wide seabed at {{convert|60|km}} offshore from the east coast of Tōhoku<ref>NHK BS News reported 2011-04-03-02:55 JST</ref> resulted in a major [[tsunami]] that brought destruction along the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] coastline of Japan's northern islands. Thousands of lives were lost and entire towns were devastated. The tsunami propagated throughout the Pacific Ocean region reaching the entire Pacific coast of North and South America from [[Alaska]] to [[Chile]]. Warnings were issued and evacuations were carried out in many countries bordering the Pacific. Although the tsunami affected many of these places, the heights of the waves were minor.<ref name="a2">{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.gov/ptwc/text.php?id=pacific.2011.03.11.073000 |title=Tsunami bulletin number 3 |publisher=Pacific Tsunami Warning Center/NOAA/NWS |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOkrlRB?url=http://www.weather.gov/ptwc/text.php?id=pacific.2011.03.11.073000 |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="a3">{{cite news|author=Wire Staff |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/tsunami.warning/index.html |title=Tsunami warnings issued for at least 20 countries after quake |publisher=CNN |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7ZhqeGg?url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/tsunami.warning/index.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="a4">{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.gov/ptwc/text.php?id=pacific.2011.03.11.103059 |title=PTWC warnings complete list |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xtOl9IMr?url=http://www.weather.gov/ptwc/text.php?id=pacific.2011.03.11.103059 |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Chile's Pacific coast, one of the furthest from Japan at about {{convert|17,000|km|mi}} away, was struck by waves {{convert|2|m|ft}} high,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapcrow.info/cgi-bin/cities_distance_airpt2.cgi?city3=-1303908%2CD&city4=-367975%2CS |title=Distance between Dichato, Chile and Sendai, Japan is 17228km |publisher=Mapcrow.info |date=23 October 2007 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MyHOLX?url=http://www.mapcrow.info/cgi-bin/cities_distance_airpt2.cgi?city3=-1303908,D&city4=-367975,S |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Attwood |first=James |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-12/chile-maintains-tsunami-warning-no-major-damage-reported-1-.html |title=Chile Lifts Tsunami Alerts After Japan Quake Spawns Waves |publisher=Bloomberg |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9TDnE6z?url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-12/chile-maintains-tsunami-warning-no-major-damage-reported-1-.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |date=12 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.publimetro.cl/nota/mundo/marejadas-ingresaron-entre-70-y-100-metros-en-varias-zonas-del-pais/xIQkcl!9ReTs79Sw66U/ |title=Chilean site: (Tsunami) waves penetrated 70–100 m in different parts of the country |publisher=Publimetro.cl |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8nBYA6I?url=http://www.publimetro.cl/nota/mundo/marejadas-ingresaron-entre-70-y-100-metros-en-varias-zonas-del-pais/xIQkcl!9ReTs79Sw66U/ |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> compared with an estimated wave height of {{convert|38.9|m}} at Omoe peninsula, Miyako city, Japan.<ref name="yomiuri"/>
===Japan===
The [[Tsunami warning system|tsunami warning]] issued by the [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] was the most serious on its warning scale; it was rated as a "major tsunami", being at least {{convert|3|m}} high.<ref>Tsunami Warning System information, ''Japan Meteorological Agency''{{cite web|url=http://www.seisvol.kishou.go.jp/eq/eng/fig/tsunamiinfo.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MyfVnC?url=http://www.seisvol.kishou.go.jp/eq/eng/fig/tsunamiinfo.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The actual height prediction varied, the greatest being for Miyagi at {{convert|6|m}} high.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/info_04_20110311145026.html |title=Tsunami Information (Estimated Tsunami arrival time and Height) |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2Myu8dF?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/info_04_20110311145026.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The tsunami inundated a total area of approximately {{convert|561|km2}} in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gsi.go.jp/common/000059939.pdf | script-title=ja:津波による浸水範囲の面積（概略値）について（第5報）|publisher=Geospatial Information Authority in Japan(国土地理院) |language=Japanese|date=18 April 2011|format=PDF|accessdate=20 June 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110623011856/http://www.gsi.go.jp/common/000059939.pdf| archivedate= 23 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
[[File:2011-Sendai-Tsunami-DART-21413-AB.png|thumb|left|Water column height on 11 March 2011 at [[Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis|DART]] Station, 690 NM southeast of Tokyo]]
The earthquake took place at 14:46 JST (UTC 05:46) around {{convert|67|km|mi}} from the nearest point on Japan's coastline, and initial estimates indicated the tsunami would have taken 10 to 30 minutes to reach the areas first affected, and then areas farther north and south based on the geography of the coastline.<ref>One estimate of 10–15 minutes came from German seismologist Rainer Kind of the [[Helmholtz Research Centre for Geosciences]] in [[Potsdam]], as interviewed in [http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14904863,00.html Japan's tsunami victims only had 15 minutes warning], ''[[Deutsche Welle]]'', 12 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MzHfxC?url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0%2C%2C14904863%2C00.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Another estimate of 15–30 minutes came from Vasily V. Titov, director of the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]'s ]]Center for Tsunami Research]], as reported in [http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/tsunami-hit-japan-struggles-to-reach-survivors-hundreds-dead-91156 Japan tsunami: Toll could rise to more than 1,300], NDTV-hosted copy of an article by Martin Fackler, ''[[The New York Times]]'', 12 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2MzspxQ?url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/tsunami-hit-japan-struggles-to-reach-survivors-hundreds-dead-91156 |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> Just over an hour after the earthquake at 15:55 JST, a tsunami was observed flooding [[Sendai Airport]], which is located near the coast of [[Miyagi Prefecture]],<ref name="AVH1">{{cite web|url=http://avherald.com/h?article=43928907&opt=0 |title=News: Tsunami rolls through Pacific, Sendai Airport under water, Tokyo Narita closed, Pacific region airports endangered |publisher=Avherald.com |date=6 July 2001 |accessdate=11 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="10m">{{Cite news|author=Kyodo News |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20110311x4.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026194858/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20110311x4.html|archivedate=26 October 2011|title=10-meter tsunami observed in area near Sendai in Miyagi Pref.|date=11 March 2011|work=[[The Japan Times]] Online |accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref> with waves sweeping away cars and planes and flooding various buildings as they traveled inland.<ref name="nhk-english-stream">{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/r0/high.asx |title=World English |accessdate=12 March 2011 |date=12 March 2011 |publisher=NHK |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N15e9F?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/r0/high.asx |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="heraldsun1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/japan-on-tsunami-alert-after-another-quake/story-e6frf7jo-1226019884379 |title=Japan 8.9-magnitude earthquake sparks massive tsunami |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N2qupV?url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/japan-on-tsunami-alert-after-another-quake/story-e6frf7jo-1226019884379 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The impact of the tsunami in and around Sendai Airport was filmed by an [[NHK]] News helicopter, showing a number of vehicles on local roads trying to escape the approaching wave and being engulfed by it.<ref>NHK News, ~16:00 JST.</ref> A {{convert|4|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tsunami hit [[Iwate Prefecture]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.en.rian.ru/natural/20110311/162955012.html |title=Earthquake, tsunami wreak havoc in Japan |date=11 March 2011 |work=rian.ru |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N3oO2o?url=http://www.en.rian.ru/natural/20110311/162955012.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai|Wakabayashi Ward]] in Sendai was also particularly hard hit.<ref>"Earthquake", ''Japan Times'', 19 March 2011, p. 16.</ref> At least 101 designated tsunami evacuation sites were hit by the wave.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110414a4.html Tsunami hit more than 100 designated evacuation sites]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 14 April 2011, p. 1. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N6jIhi?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110414a4.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Devastation after tsunami in Rikuzentakata.jpg|thumb|right|The city of [[Rikuzentakata, Iwate|Rikuzentakata]], [[Iwate Prefecture]], suffered extensive damage from the tsunami, with almost the entirety of the lower area of the city being destroyed.]]
Like the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]], the damage by surging water, though much more localized, was far more deadly and destructive than the actual quake. Entire towns were destroyed in tsunami-hit areas in Japan, including 9,500 missing in [[Minamisanriku, Miyagi|Minamisanriku]];<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/77165.html |title=9,500 unaccounted for in Miyagi's Minamisanriku: local gov't |agency=Kyodo News |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVaNHwLr?url=http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/77165.html |archivedate=27 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> one thousand bodies had been recovered in the town by 14 March 2011.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110315a2.html 2,000 more added to death toll in Miyagi]", ''Japan Times'', 15 March 2011, p. 1. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xCShPBai?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110315a2.html |date=15 March 2011 }}</ref>
Among several factors causing the high death toll from the tsunami, one was the unexpectedly large size of the water surge. The [[sea wall|tsunami wall]]s in several of the affected cities had been constructed to protect against tsunamis of much lower heights. Also, many people who were caught in the tsunami thought that they were located on high enough ground to be safe.<ref>Watts, Jonathan, "Quake survivors search for hope and shelter", ''Japan Times'', 26 March 2011, p. 13.</ref> According to the conclusions of a special committee on disaster prevention, which had been designated by the Japanese government, the tsunami protection policy had been intended to deal with only those tsunamis that had been scientifically proved to occur repeatedly; the committee therefore advised that in the future the policy should be changed to protect against the highest possible tsunami. Because tsunami walls had been overtopped by this tsunami, the committee also suggested that, besides constructing tsunami walls to a height that can protect against relatively frequent tsunamis, it is still necessary to teach citizens who are protected by tsunami walls how to evacuate if a largest scale tsunami should strike those places.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110619-OYT1T00584.htm|title = 津波、最大想定に対処…防災会議・中間報告骨子|publisher = Yomiuri Shimbun|date = 2011-06-20|accessdate = 2011-08-11|archiveurl=https://archive.fo/20130501062216/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110619-OYT1T00584.htm|archivedate=2013-05-01|dead-url=y}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.bousai.go.jp/kaigirep/chousakai/tohokukyokun/pdf/tyuukan.pdf|title = 東北地方太平洋沖地震を教訓とした地震・津波対策に関する専門調査会中間とりまとめ|publisher = 中央防災会議 「東北地方太平洋沖地震を教訓とした地震・津波対策に関する専門調査会」|format = PDF|date = 2011-06-26|accessdate = 2011-08-11}}</ref>
[[File:SendaiAirportMarch16.jpg|thumb|left|Tsunami flooding on the [[Sendai Airport]] runway]]
Large parts of [[Kuji]] and the southern section of [[Ōfunato]] including the port area were almost entirely destroyed.<ref>Tritten, Travis, J., and T. D. Flack, "[http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/earthquake-disaster-in-japan/u-s-rescue-teams-find-devastation-in-northern-city-of-ofunato-1.137784 U.S. rescue teams find devastation in northern city of Ofunato]", Stars and Stripes (newspaper), 15 March 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDIVD5tm?url=http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/earthquake-disaster-in-japan/u-s-rescue-teams-find-devastation-in-northern-city-of-ofunato-1.137784 |date=15 March 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110312004789.htm |title=Whole towns gone-no cars or people seen |publisher=Yomiuri |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N7iOj8?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110312004789.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Also largely destroyed was [[Rikuzentakata, Iwate|Rikuzentakata]], where the tsunami was three stories high.<ref>Staff Reporter (12 March 2011) [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1365397/Wiped-map-The-moment-apocalyptic-tsunami-waves-drown-sleepy-coast-town.html?ito=feeds-newsxml "Wiped off the map: The moment apocalyptic tsunami waves drown a sleepy coast town"]. www.dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 12 March 2011. {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N8XJ2a?url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1365397/Wiped-map-The-moment-apocalyptic-tsunami-waves-drown-sleepy-coast-town.html?ito=feeds-newsxml |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel/rtlnieuws/buitenland/)/components/actueel/rtlnieuws/2011/03_maart/12/buitenland/honderden-doden-in-japanse-kuststad.xml "Honderden doden in Japanse kuststad (Hundreds dead in Japanese coastal town)" (in Dutch)]. www.rtlnieuws.nl. Retrieved 12 March 2011. {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2N8ymQH?url=http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel/rtlnieuws/buitenland/)/components/actueel/rtlnieuws/2011/03_maart/12/buitenland/honderden-doden-in-japanse-kuststad.xml |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Japanarmysays300-400bodiesfoundinRikuzentakata_Report/Article/ |title=Japan army says 300–400 bodies found in Rikuzentakata: Report |publisher=Nst.com.my |date=3 February 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2eWPcEX?url=http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Japanarmysays300-400bodiesfoundinRikuzentakata_Report/Article/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Other cities destroyed or heavily damaged by the tsunami include [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]], [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]], [[Ōtsuchi, Iwate|Ōtsuchi]], and [[Yamada, Iwate|Yamada]] (in Iwate Prefecture), [[Namie, Fukushima|Namie]], [[Sōma, Fukushima|Sōma]], and [[Minamisōma, Fukushima|Minamisōma]] (in Fukushima Prefecture) and [[Shichigahama, Miyagi|Shichigahama]], [[Higashimatsushima, Miyagi|Higashimatsushima]], [[Onagawa, Miyagi|Onagawa]], [[Natori, Miyagi|Natori]], [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi|Ishinomaki]], and [[Kesennuma, Miyagi|Kesennuma]] (in Miyagi Prefecture).<ref>Martin, Alex, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110407f1.html JET post best, not 'pityfest']", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 7 April 2011, p. 3. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xkhJ6kRS?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110407f1.html |date=6 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110318a7.html Miyagi coastal whaling port pulverized, little more than memory]", ''Japan Times'', 18 March 2011, p. 3. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aFTxnf?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110318a7.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "Deaths, people missing set to top 1,600: Edano", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011.</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "Survivors in trauma after life-changing nightmare day", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011, p. 2.</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110314a3.html Death toll may surpass 10,000 in Miyagi]", ''Japan Times'', 14 March 2011, p. 1. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aGCWAy?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110314a3.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Alabaster, Jay, and Todd Pitman, ([[Associated Press]]), "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110315a8.html Hardships, suffering in earthquake zone]", ''Japan Times'', 15 March 2011, p. 3. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aGzEyZ?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110315a8.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Gihooly, Rob, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20110320x1.html 'Nothing can prepare you to witness this'], ''Japan Times'', 20 March 2011, p. 7. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aHpdWK?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20110320x1.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> The most severe effects of the tsunami were felt along a {{convert|670|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} stretch of coastline from [[Erimo, Hokkaido]], in the north to [[Ōarai, Ibaraki]], in the south, with most of the destruction in that area occurring in the hour following the earthquake.<ref>Stuart Biggs and Aaron Sheldrick (11 March 2011). [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-11/tokyo-buildings-shaken-by-7-9-earthquake-highest-tsunami-warning-issued.html Tsunami Slams Japan After Record Earthquake, Killing Hundreds], ''Bloomberg.com''. Retrieved 12 March 2012.</ref> Near Ōarai, people captured images of a huge [[whirlpool]] that had been generated by the tsunami.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8385237/Japan-disaster-30-powerful-images-of-the-earthquake-and-tsunami.html?image=4 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |title=Japan disaster: 30 powerful images of the earthquake and tsunami |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aIu9yT?url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8385237/Japan-disaster-30-powerful-images-of-the-earthquake-and-tsunami.html?image=4 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |date=16 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The tsunami washed away the sole bridge to Miyatojima, Miyagi, isolating the island's 900 residents.<ref>Kyodo News, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110319a5.html Survivors on cut-off isle were ready for disaster]", ''Japan Times'', 19 March 2011, p. 2. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aJdpV4?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110319a5.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> A {{convert|2|m}} high tsunami hit [[Chiba Prefecture]] about 2½ hours after the quake, causing heavy damage to cities such as [[Asahi, Chiba|Asahi]].<ref>Fukue, Natsuko, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110330f1.html Tsunami came late to unprepared Chiba]", ''Japan Times'', 30 March 2011, p. 2. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aKHwIL?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110330f1.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
On 13 March 2011, the [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] (JMA) published details of tsunami observations recorded around the coastline of Japan following the earthquake. These observations included tsunami maximum readings of over {{convert|3|m}} at the following locations and times on 11 March 2011, following the earthquake at 14:46 JST:<ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_04_20110313180559.html Tsunami Information NUMBER 64 (Tsunami Observation)], Japan Meteorological Agency, issued 18:05 JST 13 March 2011, Retrieved 14 March 2011. The Iwate Kamaishi-oki reading was obtained by GPS wave meter.{{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aL5KwV?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_04_20110313180559.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Tsunami map Tohoku2011.svg|thumb|Peak tsunami wave height summits, color-coded with red representing most severe]]
* 15:12 JST – off [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]] – {{convert|6.8|m}}
* 15:15 JST – [[Ōfunato]] – {{convert|3.2|m}} or higher
* 15:20 JST – [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi|Ishinomaki-shi Ayukawa]] – {{convert|3.3|m}} or higher
* 15:21 JST – [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]] – {{convert|4|m}} or higher
* 15:21 JST – [[Kamaishi]] – {{convert|4.1|m}} or higher
* 15:44 JST – [[Erimo, Hokkaido|Erimo-cho Shoya]] – {{convert|3.5|m}}
* 15:50 JST – [[Sōma, Fukushima|Sōma]] – {{convert|7.3|m}} or higher
* 16:52 JST – [[Ōarai]] – {{convert|4.2|m}}
Many areas were also affected by waves of {{convert|1|to|3|m}} in height, and the JMA bulletin also included the caveat that ''"At some parts of the coasts, tsunamis may be higher than those observed at the observation sites."'' The timing of the earliest recorded tsunami maximum readings ranged from 15:12 to 15:21, between 26 and 35 minutes after the earthquake had struck. The bulletin also included initial tsunami observation details, as well as more detailed maps for the coastlines affected by the tsunami waves.<ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_2_04_20110313180559.html Tsunami Information NUMBER 64 (Tsunami Observation)], Japan Meteorological Agency, issued 18:05 JST 13 March 2011, Retrieved 14 March 2011. (Tohoku district.) {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aLTaiJ?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_2_04_20110313180559.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_3_04_20110313180559.html Tsunami Information NUMBER 64 (Tsunami Observation)], Japan Meteorological Agency, issued 18:05 JST 13 March 2011, Retrieved 14 March 2011. (Kanto/Chubu district.) {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aLo8ue?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_3_04_20110313180559.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
JMA also reported offshore tsunami height recorded by [[telemetry]] from [[Mooring (watercraft)|moored]] [[GPS]] wave-height meter buoys as follows:<ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_04_20110313180559.html "Tsunami Information NUMBER 64(Tsunami Observations)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324003200/http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/observation_04_20110313180559.html |date=24 March 2011 }} ''Japan Meteorological Agency''. Retrieved 12 March 2012.</ref>
* offshore of central [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]] ([[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]]) – {{convert|6.3|m}}
* offshore of northern [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]] ([[Kuji]]) – {{convert|6|m}}
* offshore of northern [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]] ([[Kesennuma]]) – {{convert|6|m}}
On 25 March 2011, Port and Airport Research Institute (PARI) reported tsunami height by visiting the port sites as follows:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pari.go.jp/en/files/items/3496/File/20110325.pdf |title=Executive Summary of Urgent Field Survey of Earthquake and Tsunami Disasters by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku Earthquake |date=25 March 2011 |publisher=Port and Airport Research Institute (PARI) |location=Yokosuka, Japan |accessdate=12 March 2012 |author=行政情報システム室 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6HtqnJI5j?url=http://www.pari.go.jp/en/files/items/3496/File/20110325.pdf |archivedate=6 July 2013 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[File:20110311Houshu.ogv|thumb|[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] animation of the tsunami's propagation]]
* [[Port of Hachinohe]] – {{convert|5–6|m}}
* Port of Hachinohe area – {{convert|8–9|m}}
* Port of [[Kuji, Iwate|Kuji]] – {{convert|8–9|m}}
* Port of [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]] – {{convert|7–9|m}}
* Port of [[Ōfunato, Iwate|Ōfunato]] – {{convert|9.5|m}}
* Run up height, port of [[Ōfunato, Iwate|Ōfunato]] area – {{convert|24|m}}
* Fishery port of [[Onagawa, Miyagi|Onagawa]] – {{convert|15|m}}
* Port of [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi|Ishinomaki]] – {{convert|5|m}}
* Shiogama section of [[Shiogama, Miyagi|Shiogama]]-[[Sendai]] port – {{convert|4|m}}
* Sendai section of Shiogama-Sendai port – {{convert|8|m}}
* [[Sendai Airport]] area – {{convert|12|m}}
The tsunami at Ryōri Bay ({{lang|ja|綾里湾}}), Ōfunato reached a height of {{convert|40.1|m}} (run-up elevation). Fishing equipment was scattered on the high cliff above the bay.<ref name="ofunato">{{cite web|title=Researchers: 30-meter tsunami in Ofunato |url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_03.html |publisher=NHK |accessdate=29 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xgge4dkh?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/30_03.html |archivedate=4 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>[http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/faq/faq26.html#tsunami_8 日本で一番大きな津波は何ですか？], JMA</ref> At [[Tarō, Iwate]], the tsunami reached a height of {{convert|37.9|m}} up the slope of a mountain some {{convert|200|m}} away from the [[coast]]line.<ref name="38-meter">{{cite news|url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2157227&language=en |agency=Kyodo News |publisher=''Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)'' |date=4 April 2011 |title=38-meter-high tsunami triggered by 11 March quake: survey |accessdate=13 March 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6HtqoCwu3?url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2157227&language=en |archivedate=6 July 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> Also, at the slope of a nearby mountain from {{convert|400|m}} away at Aneyoshi fishery port ({{lang|ja|姉吉漁港}}) of Omoe peninsula ({{lang|ja|重茂半島}}) in [[Miyako, Iwate]], [[Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology]] found estimated tsunami run up height of {{convert|38.9|m}}.<ref name="yomiuri"/> This height is deemed the record in Japan historically, as of reporting date, that exceeds {{convert|38.2|m}} from the [[1896 Meiji-Sanriku earthquake]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://outreach.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/eqvolc/201103_tohoku/#koboriuchi |script-title=ja:宮古市田老小堀内漁港での津波遡上高 |date=3 April 2011 |publisher=[[Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo]] |language=Japanese |trans-title=Tsunami run up height at Miyako city, Taro Koborinai fishing port |accessdate=4 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aNqnv8?url=http://outreach.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/eqvolc/201103_tohoku/#koboriuchi |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> It was also estimated that the tsunami reached heights of up to {{convert|40.5|m}} in Miyako in Tōhoku's Iwate Prefecture. The inundated areas closely matched those of the [[869 Jogan Sanriku earthquake|869 Sanriku tsunami]].<ref>Yoshida, Reiji, "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120311a1.html 869 Tohoku tsunami parallels stun]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 11 March 2012, p. 1.</ref>
A Japanese government study found that 58% of people in coastal areas in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures heeded tsunami warnings immediately after the quake and headed for higher ground. Of those who attempted to evacuate after hearing the warning, only five percent were caught in the tsunami. Of those who didn't heed the warning, 49% were hit by the water.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "42% didn't immediately flee tsunami", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 18 August 2011, p. 2.</ref>
Delayed evacuations in response to the warnings had a number of causes. The tsunami height that had been initially predicted by the [[tsunami warning system]] was lower than the actual tsunami height; this error contributed to the delayed escape of some residents. The discrepancy arose as follows: In order to produce a quick prediction of a tsunami's height and thus to provide a timely warning, the initial earthquake and tsunami warning that was issued for the event was based on a calculation that requires only about 3 minutes. This calculation is, in turn, based on the maximum amplitude of the seismic wave. The amplitude of the seismic wave is measured using the [[:ja:マグニチュード#.E6.B0.97.E8.B1.A1.E5.BA.81.E3.83.9E.E3.82.B0.E3.83.8B.E3.83.81.E3.83.A5.E3.83.BC.E3.83.89 Mj|JMA magnitude scale]], which is similar to [[Richter magnitude scale]]. However, these scales "saturate" for earthquakes that are above a certain magnitude (magnitude 8 on the JMA scale); that is, in the case of very large earthquakes, the scales' values change little despite large differences in the earthquakes' energy. This resulted in an underestimation of the tsunami's height in initial reports. Problems in issuing updates also contributed to delays in evacuations. The warning system was supposed to be updated about 15 minutes after the earthquake occurred, by which time the calculation for the [[moment magnitude scale]] would normally be completed. However, the strong quake had exceeded the measurement limit of all of the [[seismometer#teleseismometer|teleseismometer]]s within Japan, and thus it was impossible to calculate the moment magnitude based on data from those seismometers. Another cause of delayed evacuations was the release of the second update on the tsunami warning long after the earthquake (28 minutes, according to observations); by that time, power failures and similar circumstances reportedly prevented the update from reaching some residents. Also, observed data from tidal meters that were located off the coast were not fully reflected in the second warning. Furthermore, shortly after the earthquake, some wave meters reported a fluctuation of "{{convert|20|cm}}", and this value was broadcast throughout the mass media and the warning system, which caused some residents to underestimate the danger of their situation and even delayed or suspended their evacuation.<ref name="JMA20110912">
{{cite web|url = http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1109/12a/torimatome.pdf|title = 東北地方太平洋沖地震による津波被害を踏まえた津波警報の改善の方向性について（最終とりまとめ）|publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency|format = PDF|date = 2011-09-12|accessdate = 2011-09-14}}</ref><ref name="JMA2013">{{cite web|title = 津波警報の改善について|publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency|url = http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/tsunami/kaizen/|accessdate = 2016-04-01}}</ref>
In response to the aforementioned shortcomings in the tsunami warning system, JMA began an investigation in 2011 and updated their system in 2013. In the updated system, for a powerful earthquake that is capable of causing the JMA magnitude scale to saturate, no quantitative prediction will be released in the initial warning; instead, there will be words that describe the situation's emergency. There are plans to install new teleseismometers with the ability to measure larger earthquakes, which would allow the calculation of a quake's moment magnitude scale in a timely manner. JMA also implemented a simpler empirical method to integrate, into a tsunami warning, data from GPS tidal meters as well as from undersea water pressure meters, and there are plans to install more of these meters and to develop further technology to utilize data observed by them. To prevent under-reporting of tsunami heights, early quantitative observation data that are smaller than the expected amplitude will be overridden and the public will instead be told that the situation is under observation. About 90 seconds after an earthquake, an additional report on the possibility of a tsunami will also be included in observation reports, in order to warn people before the JMA magnitude can be calculated.<ref name="JMA20110912" /><ref name="JMA2013" />
===Elsewhere across the Pacific===
[[File:Midway bonin petrel 2011 tsunami.jpg|thumb|A [[Bonin petrel]] trapped in the sand on [[Midway Atoll]] by the tsunami, before being rescued]]
Shortly after the earthquake, the [[Pacific Tsunami Warning Center]] (PTWC) in Hawaii issued tsunami watches and announcements for locations in the Pacific. At 07:30 UTC, PTWC issued a widespread tsunami warning covering the entire Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117783848.html |title=Evacuate all coastal areas immediately, Hawaii Civil Defense says |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aNwJDv?url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117783848.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/tsunami_msgs/HEBTSUPAC.201103110932 |title=Text of PTWC Pacific-wide tsunami warning |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aPN3r1?url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/tsunami_msgs/HEBTSUPAC.201103110932 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Russia]] evacuated 11,000 residents from coastal areas of the [[Kuril Islands]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Tsunami from Japanese quake prompts evacuation of 11,000 residents on Russia's Pacific islands |url=http://www.1310news.com/news/world/article/195950--tsunami-from-japanese-quake-prompts-evacuation-of-11-000-residents-on-russia-s-pacific-islands |accessdate=13 March 2012 |agency=The Associated Press |publisher=''1310News.com'' |date=11 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314063455/http://www.1310news.com/news/world/article/195950--tsunami-from-japanese-quake-prompts-evacuation-of-11-000-residents-on-russia-s-pacific-islands |archivedate=14 March 2012 |df= }}</ref> The United States [[National Tsunami Warning Center]] issued a tsunami warning for the coastal areas in most of [[California]], all of [[Oregon]], and the western part of [[Alaska]], and a tsunami advisory covering the Pacific coastlines of most of Alaska, and all of [[Washington state|Washington]] and [[British Columbia]], Canada.<ref name="noaa6">{{cite web |title=Tsunami Warning and Advisory No. 7 issued 03/11/2011 at 3:39 am PST |url=http://ntwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/07/messagelhvpd9-07.htm |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aPSHnh?url=http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/07/messagelhvpd9-07.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="bctsunami">{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/03/11/tsunami-warnings-bc.html?ref=rss |title=B.C. tsunami threat passes |publisher=CBC |location=Canada |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aPYw8r?url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/03/11/tsunami-warnings-bc.html?ref=rss |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> In [[California]] and [[Oregon]], up to {{convert|2.4|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tsunami surges hit some areas, damaging docks and harbors and causing over US$10 million in damage.<ref>Helen Jung and Jeff Manning, "Waves bring destruction to Oregon's south coast", ''The Oregonian'', 12 March 2011, p. 1+</ref> In [[Curry County, Oregon]] $7 million in damage occurred including the destruction of {{convert|1100|m}} of docks at the [[Brookings, Oregon|Brookings]] harbor; the county has received over $1 million in [[Federal Emergency Management Agency|FEMA]] emergency grants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ktvz.com/oregon-northwest/28204273/detail.html |title=$1.2M FEMA Tsunami Grant To Ore.'s Curry County – Oregon – Northwest News Story – KTVZ Bend |publisher=Ktvz.com |date=9 July 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014649/http://www.ktvz.com/oregon-northwest/28204273/detail.html |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Surges of up to {{convert|1|m}} hit [[Vancouver Island]] in Canada<ref name="bctsunami" /> prompting some evacuations, and causing boats to be banned from the waters surrounding the island for 12 hours following the wave strike, leaving many island residents in the area without means of getting to work.<ref>[http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/twilight-tsunami-evacuattion/story-fn6cc53j-1226021294350 Twilight tsunami evacuation]. Courier Mail (14 March 2011). Retrieved on 3 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aPvqSQ?url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/twilight-tsunami-evacuattion/story-fn6cc53j-1226021294350 |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>Girl, Bowen. (16 March 2011) [http://bowendiaries.blogspot.com/2011/03/japan.html Diary of a Bowen girl: Japan]. Bowendiaries.blogspot.com. Retrieved on 3 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aQqch0?url=http://bowendiaries.blogspot.com/2011/03/japan.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Boats left nearby the 'costanera' for safety in Pichilemu, March 11, 2011.jpg|thumb|left|Fishing boats that were moved to higher ground in anticipation of tsunami arrival, in [[Pichilemu]], Chile]]
In the [[Philippines]], waves up to {{convert|0.5|m}} high hit the eastern seaboard of the country. Some houses along the coast in [[Jayapura, Indonesia]] were destroyed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/03/12/tsunami-destroys-houses-jayapura.html |title=Tsunami destroys houses in Jayapura |website=The Jakarta Post |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8nZ4NKe?url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/03/12/tsunami-destroys-houses-jayapura.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Authorities in [[Wewak]], [[East Sepik]], Papua New Guinea evacuated 100 patients from the city's Boram Hospital before it was hit by the waves, causing an estimated US$4 million in damage.<ref name="abcaus">{{Cite news|title=PNG's Wewak hospital damaged by tsunami waves |url=http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/story.htm?id=38078 |work=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=16 March 2011 |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aR4SvC?url=http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/story.htm?id=38078 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Hawaii estimated damage to public infrastructure alone at US$3 million, with damage to private properties, including resort hotels such as [[Four Seasons Resort Hualalai]], estimated at tens of millions of dollars.<ref name="Hawaii Star 1">Nakaso, Dan (14 March 2011)[http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117965429.html Tsunami damage estimate for Hawaii now tens of millions] ''Star Advertiser''. Retrieved 15 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xCXcRJTq?url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117965429.html |date=15 March 2011 }}</ref> It was reported that a {{convert|1.5|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} wave completely submerged [[Midway Atoll]]'s reef inlets and Spit Island, killing more than 110,000 nesting [[seabirds]] at the [[Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge]].<ref name=cnnmarch19>{{Cite news|title=Tsunami washes away feathered victims west of Hawaii |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/18/tsunami.birds.deaths/?hpt=C2 |publisher=CNN |date=19 March 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aSZldy?url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/18/tsunami.birds.deaths/?hpt=C2 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Some other South Pacific countries, including [[Tonga]] and New Zealand, and U.S. territories [[American Samoa]] and [[Guam]], experienced larger-than-normal waves, but did not report any major damage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117828543.html# |title=South Pacific islands hit by tsunami swells |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aT3dXN?url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117828543.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> However, in Guam some roads were closed off and people were evacuated from low-lying areas.<ref>[http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12303:tsunami-warning-for-guam-pushed-back-to-11-pm&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156 Tsunami Warning For Guam Extended Until 11 p.m]. Pacificnewscenter.com (11 March 2011). Retrieved on 3 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aTpgDk?url=http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D12303:tsunami-warning-for-guam-pushed-back-to-11-pm%26catid%3D45:guam-news%26Itemid%3D156 |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:TsunamiDebrisWatch.JPG|thumb|A sign informing beachgoers about proper tsunami debris disposal procedures at [[Cape Lookout (Oregon)|Cape Lookout State Park]], [[Oregon]], USA]]
Along the Pacific Coast of [[Mexico]] and South America, tsunami surges were reported, but in most places caused little or no damage.<ref name="channelnewsasia1">[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1116127/1/.html Minor damage in Latin America by Japan's tsunami], channelnewsasia.com, 13 March 2011</ref> Peru reported a wave of {{convert|1.5|m}} and more than 300 homes damaged.<ref name="channelnewsasia1" /> The surge in Chile was large enough to damage more than 200 houses,<ref>(Spanish) [https://web.archive.org/web/20110317002502/http://www.ansa.it/ansalatina/notizie/notiziari/chile/20110313183235232122.html Más de 200 casas dañadas dejó seguidilla de olas]. ANSA Latina. 13 March 2011.</ref> with waves of up to {{convert|3|m}}.<ref>(Spanish) [http://www.biobiochile.cl/2011/03/12/caldera-80-viviendas-resultaron-destruidas-en-puerto-viejo-tras-subida-de-mar.shtml Caldera: 80 viviendas resultaron destruidas en Puerto Viejo por efecto de las olas]. Radio Bio-Bio. 3 December 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aVG5Xu?url=http://www.biobiochile.cl/2011/03/12/caldera-80-viviendas-resultaron-destruidas-en-puerto-viejo-tras-subida-de-mar.shtml |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>(Spanish) [http://diario.latercera.com/2011/03/13/01/contenido/otros/12-62305-9-mas-de-200-casas-danadas-dejo-seguidilla-de-olas-que-azotaron-las-costas.shtml Más de 200 casas dañadas dejó seguidilla de olas que azotaron las costas chilenas] La Tercera. 3 December 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aVuHGY?url=http://diario.latercera.com/2011/03/13/01/contenido/otros/12-62305-9-mas-de-200-casas-danadas-dejo-seguidilla-de-olas-que-azotaron-las-costas.shtml |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> In the [[Galápagos Islands]], 260 families received assistance following a {{convert|3|m}} surge which arrived 20 hours after the earthquake, after the tsunami warning had been lifted.<ref name="NBR_88155">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/gareth-morgans-galapagos-hotel-destroyed-tsunami-ck-88155 |title=Gareth Morgan's Galapagos hotel destroyed by tsunami |author=Keall, Chris |date=13 March 2011 |website=[[National Business Review]] |accessdate=15 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDmAc8LQ?url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/gareth-morgans-galapagos-hotel-destroyed-tsunami-ck-88155 |archivedate=16 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Ecuador Sends Aid To Galapagos After Islands Hit By Tsunami From Japan |url=http://latindispatch.com/2011/03/15/ecuador-sends-aid-to-galapagos-after-islands-hit-by-tsunami-from-japan/ |accessdate=17 March 2011 |newspaper=LATIN AMERICA NEWS DISPATCH |date=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aXFEsJ?url=http://latindispatch.com/2011/03/15/ecuador-sends-aid-to-galapagos-after-islands-hit-by-tsunami-from-japan/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> There was a great deal of damage to buildings on the islands and one man was injured but there were no reported fatalities.<ref name="NBR_88155"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110331005038/http://www.galapagos.org/2008/index.php?id=287 Tsunami Aftermath in Galapagos: Update from CDRS' Director Dr. J. Gabriel Lopez]. Galapagos.org. Retrieved on 3 April 2011.</ref>
After a {{convert|2|m}} high surge hit Chile, it was reported that the reflection from those surges traveled ''back'' across the Pacific, causing {{convert|30–60|cm}} surge in Japan, 47–48 hours after the earthquake, according to observation from multiple {{ill|tide station|ja|験潮場}}, including in Onahama, Owase, and Kushimoto.<ref>「津波 太平洋を往復」Nikkei 2014-05-02 Morning News</ref><ref>2014-05-01 {{ill|Japan Geoscience Union|ja|日本地球惑星科学連合}}, {{ill|Meteorological Research Institute|ja|気象研究所}} visiting scholar Masami Okada.</ref>
The tsunami broke [[iceberg]]s off the [[Sulzberger Ice Shelf]] in [[Antarctica]], {{convert|13000|km|mi}} away. The main iceberg measured {{convert|9.5|x|6.5|km|mi}} (approximately the area of [[Manhattan Island]]) and about {{convert|80|m|ft}} thick. A total of {{convert|125|km2|sqmi acre}} of ice broke away.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMV87JTPQG_index_0.html|title=Japan tsunami caused icebergs to break off in Antarctica|publisher=European Space Agency|date=9 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Brunt|first=Kelly M.|author2=Emile A. Okal |author3=Douglas R. MacAyeal|title=Antarctic ice-shelf calving triggered by the Honshu (Japan) earthquake and tsunami, March 2011|journal=Journal of Glaciology |date=1 October 2011|volume=57|issue=205|pages=785–788|url=http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/igsoc/jog/2011/00000057/00000205/art00001|accessdate=13 March 2012|bibcode = 2011JGlac..57..785B |doi = 10.3189/002214311798043681 }} (fee required for full article)</ref>
As of April 2012, wreckage from the tsunami spread around the world, including a [[soccer]] ball which was found in Alaska<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/04/23/MNC51O7MBK.DTL Japan tsunami victim's soccer ball found in Alaska] 24 April 2012. [[Associated Press]]</ref> and a Japanese motorcycle found in British Columbia, Canada.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/05/01/bc-tsunami-motorcycle-owner.html |title=Tsunami motorcycle owner located in Japan |publisher=Cbc.ca |date=1 May 2012 |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref>
==Land subsidence==
[[File:Subsidence in Shin-Urayasu Sta after 2011 Sendai earthquake.JPG|thumb|Land subsidence and soil liquefaction at [[Shin-Urayasu Station]] in [[Urayasu, Chiba]], near [[Tokyo]]]]
The [[Geospatial Information Authority of Japan]] reported land [[subsidence]] based on the height of [[triangulation station]]s in the area measured by [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] as compared to their previous values from 14 April 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsi.go.jp/sokuchikijun/sokuchikijun40003.html |script-title=ja:平成23年(2011年)東北地方太平洋沖地震に伴う地盤沈下調査 |date=14 April 2011 |publisher=[[Geospatial Information Authority of Japan]] |language=Japanese |trans-title=Land subsidence caused by 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami |accessdate=13 March 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aXoLUW?url=http://www.gsi.go.jp/sokuchikijun/sokuchikijun40003.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
* [[Miyako, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.50|m}}
* [[Yamada, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.53|m}}
* [[Ōtsuchi, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.35|m}} <ref name=yumi20110415-p33 />
* [[Kamaishi, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.66|m}}
* [[Ōfunato, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.73|m}}
* [[Rikuzentakata, Iwate]] – {{convert|0.84|m}}
* [[Kesennuma, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.74|m}}
* [[Minamisanriku, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.69|m}}
* [[Oshika Peninsula]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]] – {{convert|1.2|m}}<ref name=yumi20110415-p33>Values announced by [[Geospatial Information Authority of Japan]], news report by [[Yomiuri Shimbun]] 15 April 2011 ver. 13S page 33</ref>
* [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.78|m}}
* [[Higashimatsushima, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.43|m}}
* [[Iwanuma, Miyagi]] – {{convert|0.47|m}}
* [[Sōma, Fukushima]] – {{convert|0.29|m}}
Scientists say that the subsidence is permanent. As a result, the communities in question are now more susceptible to flooding during high tides.<ref>Alabaster, Jay (9 May 2011). [http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=13559508#.T1-B58Uu15Y "Quake Shifted Japan; Towns Now Flood at High Tide"], Associated Press, ''[[ABC News]]''. Retrieved 13 March 2012.</ref>
==Casualties==
===Japan===
[[File:Signpost of prayer and wish.JPG|thumb|Memorials amongst the ruins, Natori]]
In Japan, the [[National Police Agency (Japan)|National Police Agency]] has confirmed {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties dead}} {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties injured}} and {{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami casualties missing}} across twenty [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]].<ref name="npajproperty"/> In addition, some three thousands extra death have been identified as "earthquake-related death",<ref>[http://www.reconstruction.go.jp/topics/main-cat2/sub-cat2-6/20170630_kanrenshi.pdf 東日本大震災における震災関連死の死者数（平成29年3月31日現在）［平成29年6月30日公表］]</ref><ref>[http://www.reconstruction.go.jp/topics/main-cat2/sub-cat2-6/20140526131634.html 震災関連死の死者数等について]</ref> bringing the total number of death caused by the disaster to 19,575 as of 2017 September.<ref>[http://www.fdma.go.jp/neuter/topics/houdou/h29/09/290908_houdou_1.pdf 平成23年（2011年）東北地方太平洋沖地震（東日本大震災）の被害状況（平成29年9月1日現在）] 2017-09-01, [[Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications]]</ref>
Of the 13,135 fatalities recovered by 11 April 2011, 12,143 or 92.5% died by drowning. Victims aged 60 or older accounted for 65.2% of the deaths, with 24% of total victims being in their 70s.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110421a5.html 90% of disaster casualties drowned]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 21 April 2011, p. 2.</ref> As of March 2012, Japanese police data showed that 70% of the 3,279 still missing were aged 60 or over, all found, including 893 in their 70s and 577 in their 80s. Of the total confirmed victims, 14,308 drowned, 667 were crushed to death or died from internal injuries, and 145 perished from burns.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "70% of missing aged 60 and older", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 8 March 2012, p. 2.</ref>
[[File:2011 Earthquake and Tsunami near Sendai, Japan.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Tsunami damage between Sendai and Sendai Bay]]
"Earthquake-related death" is defined as cases where the earthquake did not directly kill those people, however it act as a contributory factor that indirectly caused their death, for the purpose of relief fund distribution. Some of the most widely reported reason for these deaths include "Physical and mental fatigue caused by life in temporary shelter", "Physical and mental fatigue caused by evacuation", "Delayed treatment due to the inoperative of hospital", "Physical and mental fatigue caused by stress from the earthquake and tsunami". A few cases of suicide are also included. Most of these deaths occurred during the first six months after the earthquake and the number dropped thereafter, but as time has passed, the number has continued to increase. Most of these deaths occurred in Fukushima prefecture, where the prefecture government has suggested that they could be due to evacuations caused by the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]].<ref>[https://nc.chukyo-u.ac.jp/gendaisyakai/kiyou/2014/2014_08_02_08noguchi.pdf ３．11「震災関連死」という問い 福島県の分析を通して] 野口典子</ref> These indirect casualties have already resulted in more deaths than the number of people killed directly by earthquake and tsunami within the Fukushima prefecture.<ref>[https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASDG28HAN_Y5A221C1CR8000/ 福島の震災関連死2000人超す 原発避難の長期化影響 ] 2015-12-28 Nikkei</ref><ref name="Smith">{{cite news |last=Smith|first=Alexander|title=Fukushima evacuation has killed more than earthquake and tsunami, survey says|url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/10/20420833-fukushima-evacuation-has-killed-more-than-earthquake-and-tsunami-survey-says?lite|accessdate=11 September 2013|date=10 September 2013 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131027031039/http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/10/20420833-fukushima-evacuation-has-killed-more-than-earthquake-and-tsunami-survey-says?lite |archivedate= 2013-10-27 |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="mainichi.jp">{{cite news |url=http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130909p2a00m0na009000c.html |title=Stress-induced deaths in Fukushima top those from 2011 natural disasters |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130927033901/http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130909p2a00m0na009000c.html |archivedate= 2013-09-27 |deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref name=manichi>{{cite news |url=http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130909p2a00m0na009000c.html |title=Stress-induced deaths in Fukushima top those from 2011 natural disasters. |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927033901/http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130909p2a00m0na009000c.html |archivedate=27 September 2013 |df=dmy}}</ref>
[[Save the Children]] reports that as many as 100,000 children were uprooted from their homes, some of whom were separated from their families because the earthquake occurred during the school day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/15/japan-earthquake-children-displaced-charity |title=Japan earthquake: 100,000 children displaced, says charity |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=15 March 2011 |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xD8JCtef?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/15/japan-earthquake-children-displaced-charity/print |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> 236 children were orphaned in the prefectures of [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]] and [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]] by the disaster;<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110918a3.html More quake orphan benefits sought]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 18 September 2011, p. 1.</ref><ref>[[Agence France-Presse]]/[[Jiji Press]], "At least 82 children were orphaned by disaster, government says", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 10 April 2011, p. 2.</ref> 1,580 children lost either one or both parents,<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120223f1.html Grandparents stifle grief to raise orphaned boy]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 23 February 2012, p. 3.</ref> 846 in Miyagi, 572 in Iwate, and 162 in Fukushima.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120224f1.html Tōhoku teen feels guilt of being lone survivor]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 24 February 2012, p. 3.</ref> The quake and tsunami killed 378 elementary, middle-school, and high school students and left 158 others missing.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110429a4.html 378 students killed, 158 missing in disaster]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 29 April 2011, p. 2. The victims included 234 elementary, 111 junior high and 191 high school students. Direct quote: "Out of the 378 students confirmed dead, 273 were in Miyagi, 59 in Fukushima and 46 in Iwate. The list of missing students is made up of 74 in Miyagi, 52 in Iwate and 32 in Fukushima." As of 25 December 2011, 342 elementary and junior high school students were declared dead or missing ([[Kyodo News]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111225a8.html 3/11 tsunami killed 35% of students 'saved' by parents]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 25 December 2011, p. 2.)</ref> One elementary school in [[Ishinomaki, Miyagi]], Okawa Elementary, lost 74 of 108 students and 10 of 13 teachers and staff.<ref>[[Associated Press]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110419f1.html Loss-staggered school reopens] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514084752/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110419f1.html |date=14 May 2011 }}", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 19 April 2011, p. 3.</ref><ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110422a7.html Loss-hit Ishinomaki school opens]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 22 April 2011, p. 2.</ref><ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110429a1.html School that lost 70% of its pupils mourns] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502025707/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110429a1.html |date=2 May 2011 }}", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 29 April 2011, p. 1.</ref>
The Japanese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the deaths of nineteen foreigners.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-confirms-death-of-19-foreigners-in-march-11-quake-tsunami |title=Japan confirms death of 19 foreigners in March 11 quake, tsunami |date=5 April 2011 |agency=Kyodo News |accessdate=7 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xmGEK8uK?url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-confirms-death-of-19-foreigners-in-march-11-quake-tsunami |archivedate=7 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Among them are two English teachers from the United States affiliated with the [[JET Programme|Japan Exchange and Teaching Program]];<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/06/japan.american.death/index.html |title=Body of second American found in Japan |date=7 April 2011 |publisher=CNN |accessdate=7 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xmGLLVuj?url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/06/japan.american.death/index.html |archivedate=7 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> a Canadian missionary in [[Shiogama, Miyagi|Shiogama]];<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Quebec+priest+killed+Japanese+tsunami/4432920/story.html |title=Quebec priest killed in Japanese tsunami |date=13 March 2011 |work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]] |accessdate=7 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xmGRgwnS?url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Quebec%20priest%20killed%20Japanese%20tsunami/4432920/story.html |archivedate=7 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> and citizens of China, North and South Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan and the Philippines.
By 9:30 UTC on 11 March, [[Google Person Finder]], which was previously used in the [[2010 Haiti earthquake|Haitian]], [[2010 Chile earthquake|Chilean]], and [[2011 Christchurch earthquake|Christchurch, New Zealand]] earthquakes, was collecting information about survivors and their locations.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pcworld.in/news/google-person-finder-japan-earthquaketsunami-launched-46662011 |title=Google Person Finder for Japan Earthquake/Tsunami launched |last=Shinde |first=Jayesh |date=11 March 2011 |work=[[PC World]] |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aZEQnI?url=http://www.pcworld.in/news/google-person-finder-japan-earthquaketsunami-launched-46662011 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Person finder |edition=Japan |url=http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en |publisher=Appspot |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7H1r1tA?url=http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[Japanese funeral]]s are normally elaborate Buddhist ceremonies that entail cremation. The thousands of bodies, however, exceeded the capacity of available [[crematorium]]s and [[morgue]]s, many of them damaged,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html?pagewanted=all |title=As Tsunami Robbed Life, It Also Robs Rite of Death |last=Wines |first=Michael |date=23 March 2011 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=11 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xrN1uEXO?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html |archivedate=11 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="nishikawa20110323">{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE72M1JF20110323?sp=true |title=Quake-ravaged Japan digs mass graves |accessdate=27 March 2011 |author=Nishikawa, Yoko |date=23 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aZoQnL?url=http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE72M1JF20110323?sp=true |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and there were shortages of both kerosene—each cremation requires 50 litres—and [[dry ice]] for preservation.<ref name="allen20110324">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8398419/Japan-earthquake-country-begins-burying-dead-in-mass-graves.html |title=Japan earthquake: country begins burying dead in mass graves |accessdate=27 March 2011 |author=Allen, Nick |date=24 March 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aa3auN?url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8398419/Japan-earthquake-country-begins-burying-dead-in-mass-graves.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The single crematorium in [[Higashimatsushima, Miyagi|Higashimatsushima]], for example, could only handle four bodies a day, although hundreds were found there.<ref name="wines20110324">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html?src=me&pagewanted=all|title=As Tsunami Robbed Life, It Also Robs Rite of Death|accessdate=27 March 2011|author=Wines, Michael|date=24 March 2011|work=The New York Times|pages=A12| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120425060434/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html?src=me&pagewanted=all| archivedate=25 April 2012| deadurl= no}}</ref> Governments and the military were forced to bury many bodies in hastily dug [[mass grave]]s with rudimentary or no rites, although relatives of the deceased were promised that they would be cremated later.<ref name="ap20110327">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/03/27/world/asia/AP-AS-Japan-Earthquake-Burials.html?hp|title=Burials in Quake-Hit Towns Deepen Japan's Tragedy|accessdate=27 March 2011|agency=Associated Press|work=The New York Times|date=27 March 2011}}</ref>
Noted individual fatalities within Japan included 103-year-old [[Takashi Shimokawara]], holder of the world athletics records in the men's shot put, discus throw and javelin throw for the over-100s age category. He was killed by the earthquake and tsunami at [[Kamaishi, Iwate]].<ref>[http://www.iaaf.org/aboutiaaf/news/newsid=59653.html "Takashi Shimokawara, 104, a victim of Japanese tsunami"], [[International Association of Athletics Federations]], 30 March 2011</ref>
As of 27 May 2011, three [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] members had died while conducting relief operations in Tōhoku.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "GSDF member dies during relief", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 28 May 2011, p. 2.</ref> As of March 2012, the Japanese government had recognized 1,331 deaths as indirectly related to the earthquake, such as caused by harsh living conditions after the disaster.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120304a3.html Illness, suicides drive up disaster-linked toll]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 4 March 2012, p. 2.</ref> As of 30 April 2012, 18 people had died and 420 had been injured while participating in disaster recovery or clean-up efforts.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120606a2.html Disaster reconstruction work has claimed 18 lives so far]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 6 June 2012, p. 1</ref>
===Overseas===
The tsunami is reported to have caused several deaths outside Japan. One man was killed in [[Jayapura]], [[Papua (province)|Papua]], Indonesia after being swept out to sea.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/japan-tsunami-strikes-indonesia-one-confirmed-dead/428545 |title=Japan Tsunami Strikes Indonesia, One Confirmed Dead |date=12 March 2011 |work=Jakarta Globe |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8fAm8XA?url=http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/japan-tsunami-strikes-indonesia-one-confirmed-dead/428545 |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> A man who is said to have been attempting to photograph the oncoming tsunami at the mouth of the [[Klamath River]], south of [[Crescent City, California]], was swept out to sea.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/rss/kswb-california-tsunami-death-norcal-man-drowns-trying-to-photograph-tsunami-20110311,0,7429447.story?track=rss |title=California tsunami death: NorCal man drowns trying to photograph tsunami – KSWB |publisher=Fox5sandiego.com |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2abuKBA?url=http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/rss/kswb-california-tsunami-death-norcal-man-drowns-trying-to-photograph-tsunami-20110311,0,7429447.story?track=rss |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}<br/>{{cite news|last=Associated Press |title=Man swept out to sea by tsunami was Bend native |work=The Oregonian |accessdate=27 March 2011 |date=13 March 2011 |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/03/oregon_coast_tsunami_dustin_weber.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xD7NuM1U?url=http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/03/oregon_coast_tsunami_dustin_weber.html |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}<br/>{{cite news|title=Klamath tsunami victim identified; search comes up empty |work=The Times-Standard |location=Eureka, CA |accessdate=27 March 2011 |date=13 March 2011 |url=http://www.times-standard.com/ci_17605586?source=most_viewed |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2acvxkv?url=http://www.times-standard.com/ci_17605586?source=most_viewed |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> His body was found on 2 April along Ocean Beach in [[Fort Stevens State Park]], Oregon, {{convert|330|mi|km}} to the north.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wireupdate.com/wires/16604/body-found-in-oregon-identified-as-missing-tsunami-victim/ |title=Body found in Oregon identified as missing tsunami victim |publisher=[[BNO News]] |accessdate=12 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414005117/http://wireupdate.com/wires/16604/body-found-in-oregon-identified-as-missing-tsunami-victim/ |archivedate=14 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}<br/>[http://www.koinlocal6.com/news/local/story/Tsunami-victim-remains-wash-ashore-near-Fort/S2ii-Y--j0WNKCAEV0tzcA.cspx Tsunami victim remains wash ashore near Fort Stevens]. Koinlocal6.com (12 March 2011). Retrieved on 2 May 2011.<br/>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=12 April 2011 |title=Body of Calif. man killed by tsunami washes up |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/body-of-calif-man-killed-by-tsunami-washes-up/ |work=CBS News |location= |access-date=3 July 2018 }}</ref>
==Damage and effects==
[[File:Distant view of Rikuzentakata.jpg|thumb|Panorama of the Hirota Peninsula in Rikuzentakata swept away]]
[[File:US Navy 110318-M-HU778-007 An aerial view of Ishinomaki, Japan, a week after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the area.jpg|thumb|Aerial photo of Minato, devastated by both the earthquake and subsequent tsunami]]
The degree and extent of damage caused by the earthquake and resulting tsunami were enormous, with most of the damage being caused by the tsunami. Video footage of the towns that were worst affected shows little more than piles of rubble, with almost no parts of any structures left standing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12727879 |title=film shown by BBC showing only rubble where there were buildings |publisher=BBC News |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAQ38xIo?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12727879 |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Estimates of the cost of the damage range well into the tens of billions of [[US dollars]]; before-and-after [[satellite]] photographs of devastated regions show immense damage to many regions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://picasaweb.google.com/118079222830783600944/Japan# |title=Before-and-after satellite photographs of devastated regions |accessdate=14 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110313104733/https://picasaweb.google.com/118079222830783600944/Japan| archivedate= 13 March 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12731781 |title=animated images showing undamaged places become damaged |publisher=BBC |date=14 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xBrp84HO?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12731781 |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Although Japan has invested the equivalent of billions of dollars on anti-tsunami seawalls which line at least 40% of its 34,751 km (21,593 mi) coastline and stand up to 12 m (39 ft) high, the tsunami simply washed over the top of some seawalls, collapsing some in the process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14seawalls.html|title=Seawalls Offered Little Protection Against Tsunami's Crushing Waves|last=Onishi|first=Norimitsu|work=The New York Times |date=13 March 2011|accessdate=15 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110314181214/http://www.nytimes.com//2011//03//14//world//asia//14seawalls.html| archivedate= 14 March 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
[[File:Effect of 2011 Sendai earthquake in Tokyo (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|A fire which broke out in [[Tokyo]] after the earthquake]]
Japan's [[National Police Agency (Japan)|National Police Agency]] said on 3 April 2011, that 45,700 buildings were destroyed and 144,300 were damaged by the quake and tsunami. The damaged buildings included 29,500 structures in Miyagi Prefecture, 12,500 in Iwate Prefecture and 2,400 in Fukushima Prefecture.<ref>''[[NHK]]'', "190,000 buildings damaged by 11 March quake", 3 April 2011.</ref> Three hundred hospitals with 20 beds or more in Tōhoku were damaged by the disaster, with 11 being completely destroyed.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110609a1.html Fishermen to Tepco: Don't release water]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 9 June 2011, p. 1.</ref> The earthquake and tsunami created an estimated 24–25 million tons of rubble and debris in Japan.<ref>[[Agence France-Presse]]/[[Jiji Press]], "Radiation, legalities complicate cleanup efforts", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 9 April 2011, p. 2.</ref><ref>Kamiya, Setsuko, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110630f1.html Debris removal, recycling daunting, piecemeal labor]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 30 June 2011, p. 3.</ref>
An estimated 230,000 automobiles and trucks were damaged or destroyed in the disaster. As of the end of May 2011, residents of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures had requested deregistration of 15,000 vehicles, meaning that the owners of those vehicles were writing them off as unrepairable or unsalvageable.<ref>Kyodo News, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110616a4.html Applications to deregister cars lost in tsunami soar], ''[[Japan Times]]'', 16 June 2011, p. 1.</ref>
===Ports===
[[File:Ship on the port CROP.jpg|thumb|Ship and crane damage at Sendai port]]
All of Japan's ports were briefly shut down after the earthquake, though the ones in Tokyo and southwards soon re-opened. Fifteen ports were located in the disaster zone. The north eastern ports of Hachinohe, Sendai, Ishinomaki and Onahama were destroyed, while the [[Port of Chiba]] (which serves the hydrocarbon industry) and Japan's ninth-largest container port at [[Kashima, Ibaraki|Kashima]] were also affected, though less severely. The ports at Hitachinaka, Hitachi, Soma, Shiogama, Kesennuma, Ofunato, Kamashi and Miyako were also damaged and closed to ships.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Status of Japanese ports 5 days after devastating quake and tsunami |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/309623/status-japanese-ports-5-days-after-devastating-quake-and-tsunami |agency=Reuters |date=15 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aqWCrE?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/309623/status-japanese-ports-5-days-after-devastating-quake-and-tsunami |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> All 15 ports reopened to limited ship traffic by 29 March 2011.<ref name="autogenerated1">''[[Nihon Keizai Shimbun]]'', "90 percent of major transport networks back in operation", 29 March 2011.</ref> A total of 319 fishing ports, about 10% of Japan's fishing ports, were damaged in the disaster.<ref>Fukada, Takahiro, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110921f1.html Iwate fisheries continue struggle to recover]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 21 September 2011, p. 3.</ref> Most were restored to operating condition by 18 April 2012.<ref>[[Jiji Press]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120526a7.html Most disaster-hit fish ports back up]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 26 May 2012, p. 2</ref>
The [[Port of Tokyo]] suffered slight damage; the effects of the quake included visible smoke rising from a building in the port with parts of the port areas being flooded, including [[soil liquefaction]] in [[Tokyo Disneyland]]'s parking lot.<ref name="CNA0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1115810/1/.html|title=Tokyo Disneyland hit by liquefaction after quake|date=11 March 2011|publisher=[[MediaCorp Channel NewsAsia]]|accessdate=11 March 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="CNA1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1115777/1/.html|title=Japan issues top tsunami warning after major quake|date=11 March 2011|publisher=MediaCorp Channel NewsAsia|accessdate=11 March 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
===Dams and water problems===
[[File:Fujinuma Dam failure.JPG|thumb|Dam failure at Fujinuma]]
{{Update|section|date=March 2013}}The [[Fujinuma Dam|Fujinuma irrigation dam]] in [[Sukagawa]] ruptured,<ref name="The Gulf Today">{{Cite news|url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/067b285e-6644-4460-b882-f3e809f3b3e7.aspx |title=Japan's Afternoon of Horror |date=12 March 2011 |work=[[The Gulf Today]] |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xA4lpQXu?url=http://gulftoday.ae.nyud.net/portal/067b285e-6644-4460-b882-f3e809f3b3e7.aspx |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> causing flooding and washing away five homes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dam Breaks In Northeast Japan, Washes Away Homes |url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/166581/reftab/149/t/Dam-breaks-in-northeast-Japan-washes-away-homes/Default.aspx |publisher=''Arab Times Online'' |accessdate=13 March 2012 |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2as1TVM?url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/166581/reftab/149/t/Dam-breaks-in-northeast-Japan-washes-away-homes/Default.aspx |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Eight people were missing and four bodies were discovered by the morning.<ref>{{cite web|last=Azuma |first=Kita |title=Pacific Ocean coast Earthquake |url=http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110312/dst11031205010058-n1.htm |publisher=MSN |accessdate=14 March 2011 |language=Japanese |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2asdQuY?url=http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110312/dst11031205010058-n1.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ダム決壊 ５棟流出 福島・須賀川 |url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?q=cache%3AUHJQVlLqrmAJ%3Ajyoho.kahoku.co.jp%2Fmember%2Fbacknum%2Fnews%2F2011%2F03%2F20110313t63033.htm |publisher=Fukushima News |accessdate=14 March 2011 |language=Japanese |date=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVc4ZWPh?url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?q=cache%3AUHJQVlLqrmAJ%3Ajyoho.kahoku.co.jp%2Fmember%2Fbacknum%2Fnews%2F2011%2F03%2F20110313t63033.htm |archivedate=28 March 2011 |deadurl= yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/76945.html |title=Death toll from powerful Japan quake likely to top 1,000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602012213/http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/76945.html |archivedate= June 2, 2011 |deadurl=yes |accessdate= May 6, 2018}}</ref> Reportedly, some locals had attempted to repair leaks in the dam before it completely [[Dam failure|failed]].<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ダム決壊 8人が行方不明 須賀川・藤沼ルポ |url=http://www.kahoku.co.jp/news/2011/03/20110312t63012.htm |publisher=Fukushima News |language=Japanese |accessdate=14 March 2011 |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVcpnmX5?url=http://yamba-net.org/modules/news/index.php?page=article&storyid=1191 |archivedate=28 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> On 12 March 252 dams were inspected and it was discovered that six [[embankment dam]]s had shallow cracks on their crests. The reservoir at one concrete [[gravity dam]] suffered a small non-serious [[Slope stability|slope failure]]. All damaged dams are functioning with no problems. Four dams within the quake area were unreachable. When the roads clear, experts will be dispatched to conduct further investigations.<ref>{{cite web|title=A quick report on Japanese Dams after the Earthquake |url=http://www.chincold.org.cn/dams/NewsEvents/webinfo/2011/03/1299639147955756.htm |publisher=Chinese National Committee on Large Dams |accessdate=15 March 2011 |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2au93PH?url=http://www.chincold.org.cn/dams/NewsEvents/webinfo/2011/03/1299639147955756.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
In the immediate aftermath of the calamity, at least 1.5 million households were reported to have lost access to water supplies.<ref name="waterfoodheat" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/9010969/quake-hit-japan-battles-to-avert-radiation-leak/ |title=Quake-hit Japan battles to avert radiation leak |last=Uranaka |first=Taiga |author2=Kwon, Ki Joon |date=14 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xCDDo9CW?url=http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/9010969/quake-hit-japan-battles-to-avert-radiation-leak/ |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> By 21 March 2011, this number fell to 1.04 million.<ref name="Reuters figures"/>
===Electricity===
[[File:Power Grid of Japan.svg|thumb|Geographic divide between 50 hertz systems and 60 hertz systems in Japan's electricity distribution network]]
According to the Japanese trade ministry, around 4.4 million households served by [[Tōhoku Electric Power]] (TEP) in northeastern Japan were left without electricity.<ref>Inajima, Tsuyoshi; Okada, Yuji (11 March 2011) [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-11/cosmo-oil-refinery-set-on-fire-nuclear-power-reactors-shut-by-earthquake.html "Japanese Quake Forces Evacuation Near Nuclear Reactor; Oil Refinery Burns"], ''Bloomberg.com''. Retrieved 13 March 2012.</ref> Several nuclear and conventional power plants went offline after the earthquake, reducing TEPCO's total capacity by 21 GW.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110330a4.html Utilities' monopoly on power backfires]", ''Japan Times'', 30 March 2011, p. 2. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xYWkB4x0?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110330a4.html |date=29 March 2011 }}</ref> [[Rolling blackout]]s began on 14 March due to power shortages caused by the earthquake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110313D13JFF08.htm |date=14 March 2011 |title=Power Outage To Deal Further Blows To Industrial Output |publisher=Nikkei.com |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2avomCu?url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110313D13JFF08.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[Tokyo Electric Power Company]] (TEPCO), which normally provides approximately 40 [[Gigawatt|GW]] of electricity, announced that it could only provide about 30 GW. This was because 40% of the electricity used in the greater Tokyo area was supplied by reactors in the [[Niigata Prefecture|Niigata]] and [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]] prefectures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tepco.co.jp/index-j.html |title=東京電力ホームページ – エネルギーの最適サービスを通じてゆたかで快適な環境の実現に貢献します – |publisher=Tokyo Electric Power Company |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x7Zam5R8?url=http://www.tepco.co.jp/index-j.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The reactors at the [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Daiichi]] and [[Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Dai-ni]] plants were automatically taken offline when the first earthquake occurred and sustained major damage related to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Rolling blackouts of approximately three hours were experienced throughout April and May while TEPCO scrambled to find a temporary power solution. The blackouts affected Tokyo, [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]], Eastern [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]], [[Yamanashi Prefecture|Yamanashi]], [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]], [[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]], and [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]] prefectures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/general/news/f-gn-tp0-20110313-748042.html |title=News |publisher=Nikkan Sports |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xA8payah?url=http://www.nikkansports.com/general/news/f-gn-tp0-20110313-748042.html |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Voluntary reduced electricity use by consumers in the Kanto area helped reduce the predicted frequency and duration of the blackouts.<ref>Joe, Melinda, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fs20110317a3.html Kanto area works on energy conservation]", ''Japan Times'', 17 March 2011, p. 11. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2awhmjE?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fs20110317a3.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> By 21 March 2011, the number of households in the north without electricity fell to 242,927.<ref name="Reuters figures">{{cite news |last=Nomiyama |first=Chiz |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/21/us-japan-quake-numbers-idUSTRE72K0YJ20110321 |title=Factbox: Japan disaster in figures |date=21 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=21 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xLOSexvL?url=http://www.reuters.com/assets/print?aid=USTRE72K0YJ20110321 |archivedate=21 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
[[File:Devastation in Minamisōma after tsunami.jpg|thumb|left|Damage to electricity transmission lines]]
Tōhoku Electric Power was not able to provide the Kanto region with additional power, because TEP's power plants were also damaged in the earthquake. [[Kansai Electric Power Company]] (Kepco) cannot share electricity, because its system operates at 60 hertz, whereas TEPCO and TEP operate their systems at 50 hertz; this is due to early industrial and infrastructure development in the 1880s that left Japan without a unified national [[power grid]].<ref>[http://www.itworld.com/business/140626/legacy-1800s-leaves-tokyo-facing-blackouts A legacy from the 1800s leaves Tokyo facing blackouts], ITworld, 18 March 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ayU8pa?url=http://www.itworld.com/business/140626/legacy-1800s-leaves-tokyo-facing-blackouts |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> Two substations, one in Shizuoka Prefecture and one in Nagano Prefecture, were able to convert between frequencies and transfer electricity from Kansai to Kanto and Tōhoku, but their capacity to do so is limited to 1 GW. With the damage to so many power plants, it may be years before a long-term solution can be found.<ref>Hongo, Jun, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110316a6.html One certainty in the crisis: Power will be at a premium]", ''Japan Times'', 16 March 2011, p. 2. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2azM8h6?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110316a6.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
In an effort to help alleviate the shortage, three steel manufacturers in the Kanto region contributed electricity produced by their in-house conventional power stations to TEPCO for distribution to the general public. [[Sumitomo Metal Industries]] could produce up to 500 MW, [[JFE Holdings|JFE Steel]] 400 MW, and [[Nippon Steel]] 500 MW of electric power<ref>''NHK'', "Steel makers provide TEPCO with electricity", 27 March 2011.</ref> Auto and auto parts makers in Kanto and Tōhoku agreed in May 2011 to operate their factories on Saturdays and Sundays and close on Thursdays and Fridays to assist in alleviating the electricity shortage during the summer of 2011.<ref>Nakata, Hiroko, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20110520a1.html Auto industry agrees to adopt weekend work shifts]", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 20 May 2011, p. 1.</ref> Additionally, the public and other companies were also encouraged to conserve electricity in the 2011 summer months ([[Setsuden]]).<ref>Rubin, Jeffrey [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-rubin/setsuden-japan-nuclear-free_b_916123.html "Setsuden Poised to Replace Nuclear Power in Japan "]"[[The Huffington Post]]", 4 August 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2011</ref>
The expected electricity crisis in 2011 summer have been successfully prevented thanks to all the ''setsuden'' measures, peak electricity consumption recorded by TEPCO during the period was 49.22GW, which is 10.77GW (18%) lower than the peak consumption in the previous year. The overall electricity consumption during the entire July and August was also 14% less than the previous year.<ref>[http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/index-j.html 節電について],
[http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/pdf/index01-j.pdf 今夏の電力需給状況について] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027042708/http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/pdf/index01-j.pdf |date=27 October 2011 }}, [http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/pdf/index02-j.pdf 最大電力の動向] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027050021/http://www.tepco.co.jp/setsuden/pdf/index02-j.pdf |date=27 October 2011 }} TEPCO, Access Date: October 9, 2011</ref> The peak electricity consumption within TEP's area was 12.46GW during the 2011 summer, 3.11GW (20%) less than the peak consumption in the previous year, and the overall consumption have been reduced by 11% in July with 17% in August compared to previous year.<ref>[http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/supply/1183476_1068.html 7月分の電力需給実績について] TEP, August 26, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/supply/1183523_1068.html 8月分の電力需給実績について] TEP, September 28, 2011</ref><ref name="TohokuSepMonthlyPress">[http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/press/1183530_1067.html 9月定例社長記者会見概要] TEP, September 10, 2011</ref> Japanese government continue to ask the public to conserve electricity for several years until year 2016, when it predicted that the supply will be sufficient to meet demand, thanks to the deepening of the mindset to conserve electricity among corporate and general public, addition of new electricity providers due to the [[energy liberalization|electricity liberalization]] policy, increased output from renewable energy as well as fossil fuel power stations, as well as sharing of electricity between different electricity companies.<ref>[http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASFS13H0X_T10C16A5EAF000/ 政府、今夏は節電要請せず 東日本大震災後初] Nikkei, May 13, 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASDZ28H0I_Y6A620C1000000/ 「節電なし」初の夏が来る 窮地を救う省・再・新] Nikkei, June 28, 2016</ref><ref>[https://mainichi.jp/articles/20170422/k00/00m/020/066000c/ 今夏の節電要請見送り 安定的な供給可能] Mainichi Shimbun, May 21, 2017</ref>
===Oil, gas and coal===
[[File:Cosmo Oil explosion 2 20110311CROP.jpg|thumb|upright|Fire at the Cosmo Oil refinery in [[Ichihara, Chiba|Ichihara]]]]
A {{convert|220000|oilbbl|m3|adj=on}}-per-day<ref name="Fernandez" /> [[oil refinery]] of [[Cosmo Oil Company]] was set on fire by the quake at [[Ichihara, Chiba|Ichihara]], [[Chiba Prefecture]], to the east of Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pennenergy.com/index/petroleum/display.0223973745.articles.oil-gas-journal.general-interest-2.20100.march-2011.after-8_9_quake__explosion.html |author=Watkins, Eric |date=11 March 2011|title=After 8.9 quake, explosion hits pchem complex in Japan |website=Oil & Gas Journal |publisher=PennEnergy.com |accessdate=13 March 2012}}</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8375497/Japan-earthquake-causes-oil-refinery-inferno.html Japan earthquake causes oil refinery inferno] Daily Telegraph, London, 11 March 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b03qod?url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8375497/Japan-earthquake-causes-oil-refinery-inferno.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> It was extinguished after ten days, injuring six people, and destroying storage tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cosmo-oil.co.jp/eng/information/110321/index.html |title=LPG Tanks Fire Extinguished at Chiba Refinery (5th Update) | COSMO OIL Co., Ltd |publisher=Cosmo-oil.co.jp |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014808/http://www.cosmo-oil.co.jp/eng/information/110321/index.html| archivedate= 28 July 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> Others halted production due to safety checks and power loss.<ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu=yes&id=743808&print=yes Fires, safety checks take out Japanese refineries] ''Argus Media'', 14 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b0aaXB?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu%3Dyes%26id%3D743808%26print%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu=yes&id=743987&print=yes Japanese refiners try to offset shortages] ''Argus Media'', 15 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b0iREU?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu%3Dyes%26id%3D743987%26print%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
In Sendai, a {{convert|145000|oilbbl|m3|adj=on}}-per-day refinery owned by the largest refiner in Japan, [[Nippon Oil|JX Nippon Oil & Energy]], was also set ablaze by the quake.<ref name="Fernandez">{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/14/us-japan-commodities-idUSTRE72D1X320110314 |title=Japan's shipping, energy sectors begin march back from quake |last=Fernandez |first=Clarence |date=14 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAvhzbD4?url=http://www.reuters.com/assets/print?aid=USTRE72D1X320110314 |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Workers were evacuated,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/12/refinery-operations-jx-fire-idUSTKG00706520110312 |title=JX refinery fire seen originated from shipping facility |last=Tsukimori |first=Osamu |author2=Negishi, Mayumi |date=11 March 2011 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAvN97ku?url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/12/refinery-operations-jx-fire-idUSTKG00706520110312 |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> but tsunami warnings hindered efforts to extinguish the fire until 14 March, when officials planned to do so.<ref name="Fernandez" />
An analyst estimates that consumption of various types of oil may increase by as much as {{convert|300000|oilbbl|m3}} per day (as well as LNG), as back-up power plants burning [[fossil fuel]]s try to compensate for the loss of 11 GW of Japan's nuclear power capacity.<ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu=yes&id=744156&print=yes Analysis – Oil markets adjust to Japan's disaster] ''Argus Media'', 16 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b0piZR?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu%3Dyes%26id%3D744156%26print%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu=yes&id=744031&print=yes Japan quake begins to impact LNG trade] ''Argus Media'', 15 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b0y0Z5?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?menu%3Dyes%26id%3D744031%26print%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
The city-owned plant for importing [[liquefied natural gas]] in Sendai was severely damaged, and supplies were halted for at least a month.<ref>[http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?id=744173&menu=yes Tsunami Disaster: "Japan's Sendai says LNG Infrastructure Badly Damaged"] ''Argus Media'', 16 March 2011. Accessed: 18 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b15FJ5?url=http://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?id%3D744173%26menu%3Dyes |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
In addition to refining and storage, several power plants were damaged. These include Sendai #4, New-Sendai #1 and #2, Haranomachi #1 and #2, Hirono #2 and #4 and Hitachinaka #1.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://eneken.ieej.or.jp/en/jeb/1103.pdf |journal=Japan Energy Brief |title=Eastern Japan paralyzed by unprecedented earthquake |issue=12 |date=March 2011 |editor1-first=Kensuke |editor1-last=Kanekiyo |editor2-first=Akira |editor2-last=Ishimura |accessdate=15 July 2014}}</ref>
===Nuclear power plants===
{{Further|Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster}}
The [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Daiichi]], [[Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Daini]], [[Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant]] and [[Tōkai Nuclear Power Plant|Tōkai nuclear power stations]], consisting of a total eleven reactors, were [[Scram|automatically shut down]] following the earthquake.<ref name="11plants">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/japan-earthquake-evacuations-ordered-as-fears-grow-of-radiation-leak-at-nuclear-plant/story-e6frfkyi-1226020473244 |title=Japan earthquake: Evacuations ordered as fears grow of radiation leak at nuclear plant; News.com.au |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=12 March 2011 |agency=AFP |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2adXZqV?url=http://www.news.com.au/world/japan-earthquake-evacuations-ordered-as-fears-grow-of-radiation-leak-at-nuclear-plant/story-e6frfkyi-1226020473244 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Higashidōri Nuclear Power Plant|Higashidōri]], also on the northeast coast, was already shut down for a periodic inspection. Cooling is needed to remove [[decay heat]] after a [[Generation II reactor]] has been shut down, and to maintain spent fuel pools. The backup cooling process is powered by emergency diesel generators at the plants and at [[Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant|Rokkasho nuclear reprocessing plant]].<ref name="nei-20110311">{{Cite news|url=http://www.neimagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=132&storyCode=2059127 |title=Japan initiates emergency protocol after earthquake |publisher=Nuclear Engineering International |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ae6b0U?url=http://www.neimagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=132&storyCode=2059127 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> At Fukushima Daiichi and Daini, tsunami waves overtopped seawalls and destroyed diesel backup power systems, leading to severe problems at Fukushima Daiichi, including three large explosions and radioactive leakage. Subsequent analysis found that many Japanese nuclear plants, including Fukushima Daiichi, were not adequately protected against tsunamis.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=The Fukushima Disaster and Japan's Nuclear Plant Vulnerability in Comparative Perspective|journal=Environmental Science & Technology |volume=47 |issue=12 |pages=6082–6088|doi=10.1021/es4004813 |pmid = 23679069|year=2013 |last1=Lipscy |first1=Phillip Y |last2=Kushida |first2=Kenji E |last3=Incerti |first3=Trevor |bibcode=2013EnST...47.6082L }}</ref> Over 200,000 people were evacuated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/13/japan-nuclear-plants-fukushima-earthquake |title=Japan's nuclear fears intensify at two Fukushima power stations |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=13 March 2011 |first=Ian |last=Sample |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xAN6EQZ8?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/13/japan-nuclear-plants-fukushima-earthquake |archivedate=14 March 2011 |deadurl=no |date=13 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
7 April aftershock caused the loss of external power to Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant and Higashidori Nuclear Power Plant but backup generators were functional. [[Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant]] lost 3 of 4 external power lines and temporarily lost cooling function in its spent fuel pools for "20 to 80 minutes". A spill of "up to 3.8 litres" of radioactive water also occurred at Onagawa following the aftershock.<ref name="ibtimes1">[http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/132203/20110408/nuclear-plants-in-onagawa-higashidori-lose-power.htm Japan Earthquake: More Nuclear Plants Lose Power], ''International Business Times'', Jesse Emspak, 8 April 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aepag3?url=http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/132203/20110408/nuclear-plants-in-onagawa-higashidori-lose-power.htm |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
A report by the [[IAEA]] in 2012 found that the [[Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant]], the closest nuclear plant to the epicenter of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, had remained largely undamaged. The plant's 3 reactors automatically shut down without damage and all safety systems functioned as designed. The plant's {{convert|14|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} seawall successfully withstood the tsunami.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yamaguchi |first=Mari |work=Associated Press |title=Nuke plant near quake epicenter undamaged|date= 11 August 2012 |page= 8 |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/iaea-nuke-plant-near-fukushima-largely-undamaged}}</ref>
Europe's [[European Commissioner for Energy|Energy Commissioner]] [[Günther Oettinger]] addressed the European Parliament on 15 March, explaining that the nuclear disaster was an "apocalypse".<ref>Evans, Martin and Gordon Rayner. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8384809/Japan-nuclear-plant-disaster-warning-of-an-apocalypse-as-fallout-hits-danger-levels.html "Japan nuclear plant disaster: warning of an 'apocalypse’ as fallout hits danger levels,"] ''The Independent'' (UK). 16 March 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xFkDV78N?url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8384809/Japan-nuclear-plant-disaster-warning-of-an-apocalypse-as-fallout-hits-danger-levels.html |date=17 March 2011 }}</ref> As the nuclear crisis entered a second month, experts recognized that Fukushima Daiichi is not the worst nuclear accident ever, but it is the most complicated. Nuclear experts stated that Fukushima will go down in history as the second-worst nuclear accident ever. While it was not as bad as the [[Chernobyl disaster]], it was worse than the [[Three Mile Island accident]]. It could take months or years to learn how damaging the release of dangerous isotopes has been to human health and food supplies, and the surrounding countryside.<ref>[http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/132391/20110409/japan-nuclear-crisis-radiation.htm "Analysis: A month on, Japan nuclear crisis still scarring,"] {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2agYEQZ?url=http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/132391/20110409/japan-nuclear-crisis-radiation.htm |date=18 April 2011 }} ''International Business Times'' (Australia). 9 April 2011, retrieved 12 April 2011; excerpt, According to [[James M. Acton|James Acton]], Associate of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, "Fukushima is not the worst nuclear accident ever but it is the most complicated and the most dramatic ... This was a crisis that played out in real time on TV. Chernobyl did not." {{cite web|url=http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/132391/20110409/japan-nuclear-crisis-radiation.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-04-18 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2agYEQZ?url=http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/132391/20110409/japan-nuclear-crisis-radiation.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df= }}</ref>
Later analysis indicated three reactors at [[Fukushima I]] (Units 1, 2, and 3) had suffered meltdowns and continued to leak coolant water,<ref name="autogenerated2"/> and by summer the Vice-minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, the head of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, and the head of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, had lost their jobs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/08/04/japan.nuclear.crisis/index.html?eref=ib_topstories |title=Japan to fire 3 top nuclear officials |publisher=CNN |date=4 August 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011}}</ref>
====Fukushima meltdowns====
<!-- This section is an introduction to the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accidents]] article. -->
{{Main|Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|Timeline of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster}}
[[File:VOA Herman - April 12 2011 Namie-11.jpg|thumb|Loose livestock roam the evacuation zone]]
Japan declared a state of emergency following the failure of the cooling system at the [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant]], resulting in the evacuation of nearby residents.<ref name="guardian2011-03-11">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/japan-declares-nuclear-emergency-quake |title=Japan Declares 'Nuclear Emergency' after Quake |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=11 March 2011 |first=Justin |last=McCurry |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8Swgz2f?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/japan-declares-nuclear-emergency-quake |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.anhourago.com.au/show.aspx?l=8083104|author=Sato, Shigemi|date=12 March 2011|title=High radiation in Japanese nuclear plant|agency=Agence France Press|work=Sydney Morning Herald ''(AFP)''|publisher=anhourago.com.au|accessdate=13 March 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314063620/http://www.anhourago.com.au/show.aspx?l=8083104|archivedate=14 March 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="BBC3">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698 |title=Japan Tsunami |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5w5dpTRTE?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698 |archivedate=29 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Officials from the Japanese [[Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency]] reported that radiation levels inside the plant were up to 1,000 times normal levels,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Radioactive Material May Have Leaked from Japanese Reactor |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/japan.nuclear/index.html |accessdate=11 March 2011 |work=[[CNN International]] |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ahm3X6?url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/japan.nuclear/index.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and that radiation levels outside the plant were up to 8 times normal levels.<ref>Hiroko Tabuchi, Matthew L. Wald. [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14nuclear.html Partial Meltdowns Presumed at Crippled Reactors]. ''The New York Times'', 13 March 2011</ref> Later, a state of emergency was also declared at the [[Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Daini]] nuclear power plant about {{convert|11|km|mi|abbr=on}} south.<ref>Chico Harlan: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031201452.html?hpid%3Dtopnews Japan quake: With two natural disasters and a nuclear emergency, recovery begins]. ''The Washington Post'', 12 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011. {{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031201452.html?hpid=topnews |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-05-22 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ai5PuF?url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031201452.html?hpid=topnews |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This brought the total number of problematic reactors to six.<ref>Rik Myslewski. [https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/13/japanese_nuclear_site_update/ Sixth Japanese nuclear reactor loses cooling]. ''The Register'', 13 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aiZLwy?url=http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/13/japanese_nuclear_site_update/ |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
It was reported that radioactive iodine was detected in the tap water in Fukushima, Tochigi, Gunma, Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Niigata, and radioactive caesium in the tap water in Fukushima, Tochigi and Gunma.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103160286.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：福島市内の水道水から放射性物質検出 国の基準は下回る – 東日本大震災 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=3 January 2011 |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ajF4Z7?url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103160286.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110319-OYT1T00743.htm |title=１都５県の水道水から放射性物質、国基準下回る : 科学 |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Japan |date=19 March 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2akJkdQ?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/news/20110319-OYT1T00743.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?q=cache%3AI6wPxN4qqsEJ%3Ak.nhk.jp%2Fknews%2F20110319%2Fk10014787301000.html |title=水道水 制限値を全国で下回る |publisher=NHK News |accessdate=19 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xVbO9cRA?url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com.nyud.net/search?q=cache%3AI6wPxN4qqsEJ%3Ak.nhk.jp%2Fknews%2F20110319%2Fk10014787301000.html |archivedate=28 March 2011 |deadurl=bot: unknown |df=dmy }}</ref> Radioactive caesium, iodine, and strontium<ref>[http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0412/TKY201104120522.html asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：福島の土壌から微量ストロンチウム 水溶性の放射性物質 – 社会] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2akiMFW?url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0412/TKY201104120522.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> were also detected in the soil in some places in Fukushima. There may be a need to replace the contaminated soil.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103230215.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：原発から４０キロの土壌、高濃度セシウム 半減期３０年 – 東日本大震災 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=1 March 2011 |accessdate=26 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2albVby?url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201103230215.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Many radioactive hotspots were found outside the evacuation zone, including Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201110060625.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：東京・神奈川含む汚染マップ公表 一部で１万ベクレル超 – 東日本大震災 |publisher=Asahi.com |date=6 October 2011 |accessdate=13 April 2012}}</ref> Food products were also found contaminated by radioactive matter in several places in Japan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-27/food-contamination-set-to-rise-as-japan-fights-radiation-crisis-at-reactor.html |title=Food Contamination Set to Rise as Japan Fights Radiation Crisis at Reactor |author=Jae Hur |publisher=Bloomberg |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2amCwmH?url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-27/food-contamination-set-to-rise-as-japan-fights-radiation-crisis-at-reactor.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |date=27 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> On 5 April 2011, the government of the [[Ibaraki Prefecture]] banned the fishing of [[sand lance]] after discovering that this species was contaminated by radioactive [[caesium]] above legal limits.<ref name="NHK World 20110405">{{cite news|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_34.html |title=High level of caesium detected in sand lances |publisher=NHK World |date=5 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2amUu38?url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/05_34.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> As late as July 2013 slightly elevated levels of radioactivity were found in beef on sale at Tokyo markets.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ito |first=Nicholas |url=http://www.ktvz.com/health/28520368/detail.html |title=Radioactive Meat Sold In Japan Market – Health News Story – KTVZ Bend |publisher=Ktvz.com |date=12 July 2011 |accessdate=7 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014654/http://www.ktvz.com/health/28520368/detail.html |archivedate=28 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
====Incidents elsewhere====
A fire occurred in the turbine section of the [[Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant]] following the earthquake.<ref name="nei-20110311" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/quake-japan-nuclear-idUSLHE7E801E20110311 |title=Fire at Tōhoku Elec Onagawa nuclear plant -Kyodo | Reuters |first=Chikako |last=Mogi |agency=Reuters |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2an6CNo?url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/quake-japan-nuclear-idUSLHE7E801E20110311 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The blaze was in a building housing the turbine, which is sited separately from the plant's reactor,<ref name="guardian2011-03-11" /> and was soon extinguished.<ref name="Australian">{{Cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/fire-at-nuclear-power-plant-others-shut-down/story-fn84naht-1226020092352 |title=Fire at nuclear power plant extinguished |work=The Australian |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2anTfAu?url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/fire-at-nuclear-power-plant-others-shut-down/story-fn84naht-1226020092352 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The plant was shut down as a precaution.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hafez Ahmed |url=http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=130958&date=31 |title=March 2011 Japan's atomic plant neighbours mull leaving homes |publisher=Thefinancialexpress-bd.com |accessdate=7 September 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014832/http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=130958&date=31| archivedate= 28 July 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
On 13 March the lowest-level state of emergency was declared regarding the Onagawa plant as radioactivity readings temporarily<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html |title=IAEA update on Japan Earthquake |website=iaea.org |year=2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x8gJ8rN2?url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html |archivedate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> exceeded allowed levels in the area of the plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima130311.html |title=IAEA update on Japan Earthquake |website=iaea.org |date=13 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xt8321q7?url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima130311.html |archivedate=12 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>Chico Harlan, Steven Mufson: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031205493.html?hpid=topnews Japanese nuclear plants' operator scrambles to avert meltdowns]. ''[[The Washington Post]]'', 11 March 2011 {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aoSMrP?url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/12/AR2011031205493.html?hpid=topnews |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> Tōhoku Electric Power Co. stated this may have been due to radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accidents but was not from the Onagawa plant itself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/309172/sea-water-injected-troubled-fukushima-power-plant |title=Sea water injected into troubled Fukushima power plant | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online |website=mb.com.ph |year=2011 |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aof5f0?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/309172/sea-water-injected-troubled-fukushima-power-plant |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
As a result of 7 April aftershock, Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant lost 3 of 4 external power lines and lost cooling function for as much as 80 minutes. A spill of a couple of litres of radioactive water occurred at Onagawa.<ref name="ibtimes1" />
The number 2 reactor at [[Tōkai Nuclear Power Plant]] was shut down automatically.<ref name="11plants" /> On 14 March it was reported that a cooling system pump for this reactor had stopped working;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTKG00708120110313 |title=Cooling system pump stops at Tokai No.2 plant-Kyodo; Energy & Oil; Reuters |work=af.reuters.com |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2aot3wZ?url=http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTKG00708120110313 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> however, the Japan Atomic Power Company stated that there was a second operational pump sustaining the cooling systems, but that two of three diesel generators used to power the cooling system were out of order.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/13/uk-japan-quake-tokai-idUKTRE72C2RL20110313 |title=Tokai No.2 nuke plant cooling process working – operator | Reuters |first=Kiyoshi |last=Takenaka |work=uk.reuters.com |accessdate=13 March 2011 |date=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2ap319X?url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/13/uk-japan-quake-tokai-idUKTRE72C2RL20110313 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Wind power===
None of [[Wind power in Japan|Japan's commercial wind turbines]], totaling over 2300 MW in [[nameplate capacity]], failed as a result of the earthquake and tsunami, including the Kamisu offshore wind farm directly hit by the tsunami.<ref name="kamisu_tsunami">{{cite web|url=http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/05/the-dangers-of-energy-generation |title=The Dangers of Energy Generation |first=Elisa |last=Wood |publisher=Renewable Energy World |date=25 May 2011 |archivedate=3 June 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zAoObMnC?url=http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/05/the-dangers-of-energy-generation |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Transport===
[[File:Rokko-Bridge fell,Namegata-city,Japan.jpg|thumb|A highway bridge damaged and severed]]
Japan's transport network suffered severe disruptions. Many sections of [[Tōhoku Expressway]] serving northern Japan were damaged. The expressway did not reopen to general public use until 24 March 2011.<ref>''NHK World'', "Tōhoku Expressway Reopened To All Traffic", 24 March 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-24/highway-to-japan-quake-area-opens-as-casualties-pass-25-000.html |title=Highway to Japan Quake Area Opens as Casualties Pass 25,000 |last=Chu |first=Kathleen |author2=Sakamaki, Sachiko |date=24 March 2011 |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |accessdate=24 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xQW5ujha?url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-24/highway-to-japan-quake-area-opens-as-casualties-pass-25-000.html |archivedate=24 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> All railway services were suspended in Tokyo, with an estimated 20,000 people stranded at major stations across the city.<ref>NHK News, 23:30 JST</ref> In the hours after the earthquake, some train services were resumed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110311D11JF318.htm |title=Many Rail Services In Tokyo Suspended After Quake |publisher=NIKKEI |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b1ElUG?url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110311D11JF318.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Most Tokyo area train lines resumed full service by the next day—12 March.<ref>[[Associated Press]], "When Tokyo's clockwork trains stopped ticking", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011, p. 3.</ref> Twenty thousand stranded visitors spent the night of 11–12 March inside [[Tokyo Disneyland]].<ref>Kyodo News, "Disney reality check for the stuck", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011, p. 3.</ref>
A tsunami wave flooded [[Sendai Airport]] at 15:55 JST,<ref name="AVH1" /> about 1 hour after the initial quake, causing severe damage. [[Narita International Airport|Narita]] and [[Haneda Airport]] both briefly suspended operations after the quake, but suffered little damage and reopened within 24 hours.<ref name="CNA1" /> Eleven airliners bound for Narita were diverted to nearby [[Yokota Air Base]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yokota.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123246410 |title=Yokota provides support following massive earthquake |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b1p0oW?url=http://www.yokota.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123246410 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>Kyodo News, "USS Reagan on way", ''Japan Times'', 13 March 2011, p. 2.</ref>
[[File:Shinchi Sta 20110404.jpg|thumb|left|Remains of [[Shinchi Station]]]]
Various train services around Japan were also canceled, with [[JR East]] suspending all services for the rest of the day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://traininfo.jreast.co.jp/train_info/service.aspx |title=JR東日本：列車運行情報 |publisher=Traininfo.jreast.co.jp |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b2Dga0?url=http://traininfo.jreast.co.jp/train_info/service.aspx |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Four trains on coastal lines were reported as being out of contact with operators; one, a four-car train on the [[Senseki Line]], was found to have derailed, and its occupants were rescued shortly after 8 am the next morning.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20110312-OYT1T00215.htm?from=main2 |title=脱線のＪＲ仙石線車内から、県警ヘリで９人救出 : 社会 : YOMIURI ONLINE（読売新聞） |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b2UiOS?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20110312-OYT1T00215.htm?from=main2 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Minami-Kesennuma Station]] on the [[Kesennuma Line]] was obliterated save for its platform;<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110312004840.htm |title=Kesennuma described as 'hellish sight' |last=Akiyama |first=Hironari |author2=Ishibashi, Takeharu |date=13 March 2011 |work=Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=16 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xDwnpDxQ?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110312004840.htm |archivedate=16 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> 62 of 70 (31 of 35) JR East train lines suffered damage to some degree;<ref name="autogenerated1" /> in the worst-hit areas, 23 stations on 7 lines were washed away, with damage or loss of track in 680 locations and the 30-km radius around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant unable to be assessed.<ref>[http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20110331-OYT1T00855.htm ２３駅流失、線路被害６８０か所…ＪＲ東日本 : 社会 : YOMIURI ONLINE（読売新聞）] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b2tNNm?url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20110331-OYT1T00855.htm |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
There were no derailments of [[Shinkansen]] bullet train services in and out of Tokyo, but their services were also suspended.<ref name="CNA1" /> The [[Tōkaidō Shinkansen]] resumed limited service late in the day and was back to its normal schedule by the next day, while the [[Jōetsu Shinkansen|Jōetsu]] and [[Nagano Shinkansen]] resumed services late on 12 March. Services on [[Yamagata Shinkansen]] resumed with limited numbers of trains on 31 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201103290189.html |title=Full Tōhoku Shinkansen Line services to be restored by late April |website=The Asahi Shimbun Company |date=30 March 2001 |accessdate=2 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b5IHoX?url=http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201103290189.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
Derailments were minimized because of an early warning system that detected the earthquake before it struck. The system automatically stopped all high-speed trains, which minimized the damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/features/feature122751 |title=How Japan's Rail Network Survived the Earthquake |publisher=Railway Technology |date= |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref>
The [[Tōhoku Shinkansen]] line was worst hit, with JR East estimating that 1,100 sections of the line, varying from collapsed station roofs to bent power pylons, will need repairs. Services on the Tōhoku Shinkansen partially resumed only in Kantō area on 15 March, with one round-trip service per hour between [[Tokyo Station|Tokyo]] and [[Nasushiobara Station|Nasu-Shiobara]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0315/TKY201103150121.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：東北新幹線、東京―那須塩原で再開 各停、１時間に１本 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=15 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b3AlYB?url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0315/TKY201103150121.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and Tōhoku area service partially resumed on 22 March between [[Morioka Station|Morioka]] and [[Shin-Aomori Station|Shin-Aomori]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/no-of-dead-or-missing-tops-21000-bodies-buried-in-rare-measure |title=No. of dead or missing tops 22,000; bodies buried in rare measure |website=JAPANTODAY |date=22 March 2001 |accessdate=2 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b3oDmQ?url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/no-of-dead-or-missing-tops-21000-bodies-buried-in-rare-measure |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Services on [[Akita Shinkansen]] resumed with limited numbers of trains on 18 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110318D18JF316.htm |title=Gradual Restoration Of Infrastructure Continues At Disaster Areas |website=Nikkei |date=18 March 2001 |accessdate=2 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b4N0NM?url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110318D18JF316.htm |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Service between Tokyo and [[Shin-Aomori Station|Shin-Aomori]] was restored by May, but at lower speeds due to ongoing restoration work; the pre-earthquake timetable was not reinstated until late September.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asahi.com/travel/rail/news/TKY201109230547.html |title=仙台―東京「はやぶさ」８分短縮 半年ぶりダイヤ復旧 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |date=23 September 2011 |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
[[File:Carried train in Ishinomaki Line.JPG|thumb|Train washed away uphill from [[Onagawa Station]]]]
The rolling blackouts brought on by the crises at the nuclear power plants in Fukushima had a profound effect on the rail networks around Tokyo starting on 14 March. Major railways began running trains at 10–20 minute intervals, rather than the usual 3–5 minute intervals, operating some lines only at rush hour and completely shutting down others; notably, the [[Tōkaidō Main Line]], [[Yokosuka Line]], [[Sōbu Main Line]] and [[Chūō-Sōbu Line]] were all stopped for the day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0314/TKY201103130323.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：計画停電で影響が出る主な鉄道（午前７時現在） – 社会 |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=14 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b5j7jT?url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0314/TKY201103130323.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> This led to near-paralysis within the capital, with long lines at train stations and many people unable to come to work or get home. Railway operators gradually increased capacity over the next few days, until running at approximately 80% capacity by 17 March and relieving the worst of the passenger congestion.
===Telecommunications===
[[File:Fallen power poles in Ishinomaki.jpg|thumb|Damaged utility pole in Ishinomaki]]
Cellular and landline phone service suffered major disruptions in the affected area.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tokyo phone lines jammed, trains stop |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-12/rest-of-world/28683249_1_trains-phone-lines-tokyo |work=Times of India |location=India |date=12 March 2011 |quote=The temblor shook buildings in the capital, left millions of homes across Japan without electricity, shut down the mobile phone network and severely disrupted landline phone service. |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b6KaCx?url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-12/rest-of-world/28683249_1_trains-phone-lines-tokyo |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Immediately after the earthquake cellular communication was jammed across much of Japan due to a surge of network activity. On the day of the quake, American broadcaster NPR was unable to reach anyone in Sendai with working phone or Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/03/11/134467277/A-Look-At-The-Japanese-City-Closest-To-The-Quake |accessdate=26 March 2011 |title=A Look At The Japanese City Closest To The Quake |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b6tu5Q?url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/11/134467277/A-Look-At-The-Japanese-City-Closest-To-The-Quake |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Internet services were largely unaffected in areas where basic infrastructure remained, despite the earthquake having damaged portions of several [[submarine communications cable|undersea cable]] systems landing in the affected regions; these systems were able to reroute around affected segments onto redundant links.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/broadband/in-japan-many-under-sea-cables-are-damaged/ |title=In Japan, Many Undersea Cables Are Damaged: Broadband News and Analysis |publisher=Gigaom.com |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xCrffo18?url=http://gigaom.com/broadband/in-japan-many-under-sea-cables-are-damaged/ |archivedate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cowie |first=James |url=http://www.renesys.com/blog/2011/03/japan-quake.shtml |title=Japan Quake – Renesys Blog |publisher=Renesys.com |date=11 March 2011 |accessdate=15 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x9kSwgxs?url=http://www.renesys.com/blog/2011/03/japan-quake.shtml |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Within Japan, only a few websites were initially unreachable.<ref name="computerworld">{{Cite news|title=Japan's phone networks remain severely disrupted |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9214261/Japan_s_phone_networks_remain_severely_disrupted |work=Computerworld |date=12 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2emLvjn?url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9214261/Japan_s_phone_networks_remain_severely_disrupted |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Several [[Wi-Fi]] hotspot providers reacted to the quake by providing free access to their networks,<ref name="computerworld" /> and some American telecommunications and [[VoIP]] companies such as [[AT&T]], [[Sprint Nextel|Sprint]], [[Verizon]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2011/03/14/att-free-calls-japan/ |accessdate=30 March 2011 |title=AT&T, Sprint & Verizon Offer Free Calls & Texts to Japan from U.S. [UPDATED] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2b7Ms5J?url=http://mashable.com/2011/03/14/att-free-calls-japan/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[T-Mobile]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/t-mobile-assists-customers-Japan |accessdate=29 May 2011 |title=T-Mobile USA Waives Call Charges to Japan and Wi-Fi Calling and Text Messaging Charges to and From Japan |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602012256/http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/t-mobile-assists-customers-Japan |archivedate=2 June 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and VoIP companies such as [[netTALK]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vancouversun.com/business/netTALK+Extends+Free+Calling+Japan+Through+April/4478989/story.html |accessdate=30 March 2011 |title=netTALK Extends Free Calling to Japan Through April |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2enGc01?url=http://www.vancouversun.com/business/netTALK+Extends+Free+Calling+Japan+Through+April/4478989/story.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> and [[Vonage]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/vonage-offers-free-calls-japan/2011-03-14/ |accessdate=30 March 2011 |title=Vonage offers free calls to Japan |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2eo28hI?url=http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/vonage-offers-free-calls-japan/2011-03-14 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> have offered free calls to (and in some cases, from) Japan for a limited time, as did Germany's [[Deutsche Telekom]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telekom.com/medien/konzern/29364 |publisher=''Deutsche Telekom'' |date=17 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2012 |title=Deutsche Telekom: Konzern erleichtert Kommunikation nach Japan |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314063706/http://www.telekom.com/medien/konzern/29364 |archivedate=14 March 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
===Defense===
[[Matsushima Air Field]] of the [[Japan Self-Defense Force]] in Miyagi Prefecture was struck by the tsunami, flooding the base and resulting in damage to all 18 [[Mitsubishi F-2]] fighter jets of the 21st Fighter Training Squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20110928p2a00m0na017000c.html |title=Mitsubishi Heavy Industries bids goodbye to F2 aircraft |accessdate=28 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930235506/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20110928p2a00m0na017000c.html |archivedate=30 September 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/03/earthquake-devastates-japan-f-.html|title=Earthquake devastates Japan F-2 sqd|accessdate=28 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8380342/Tsunami-and-earthquake-in-Japan-latest-pictures-of-the-damage.html|title=Tsunami and earthquake in Japan: latest pictures of the damage|accessdate=28 September 2011|location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=14 March 2011}}</ref> 12 of the aircraft were scrapped, while the remaining 6 were slated for repair at a cost of 80 billion yen ($1 billion), exceeding the original cost of the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ2011091510588 |title=Air SDF to scrap 12 fighters, citing tsunami damage |accessdate=28 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026192518/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ2011091510588 |archivedate=26 October 2011 |df= }}</ref>
===Space center===
[[JAXA]] (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) evacuated the [[Tsukuba Space Center]] in [[Tsukuba, Ibaraki]]. The Center, which houses a control room for part of the [[International Space Station]], was shut down and some damage was reported.<ref>{{cite web|last=Malik |first=Tariq |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42038724/ns/technology_and_science-space/ |title=Quake forces closure of Japanese space center |publisher=MSNBC |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2eoLjd1?url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42038724/ns/technology_and_science-space/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/science/update/0316/TKY201103160235.html |title=asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：茨城の宇宙機構施設が損傷 「きぼう」一部管制できず – サイエンス |website=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2woTRPp?url=http://www.asahi.com/science/update/0316/TKY201103160235.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
The Tsukuba control center resumed full operations for the space station's Kibo laboratory and the HTV cargo craft on 21 March 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/h2b/htv2/110327update/ |title=spaceflightnow.com |website=Stephen Clark |accessdate=28 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wpCsdy?url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/h2b/htv2/110327update/ |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Cultural properties===
[[File:Monuments fell down by 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake in Tokiwa-shrine.JPG|thumb|Damage to a [[Tōrō|traditional lantern]] at [[Tokiwa Jinja|Tokiwa shrine]] in [[Mito, Ibaraki|Mito City]]]]
754 [[Cultural Properties of Japan|cultural properties]] were damaged across nineteen prefectures, including five [[National Treasures of Japan|National Treasures]] (at [[Zuigan-ji]], [[Ōsaki Hachiman-gū]], [[Shiramizu Amidadō]], and [[Seihaku-ji]]); 160 [[Important Cultural Properties of Japan|Important Cultural Properties]] (including at [[Sendai Tōshō-gū]], the [[Kōdōkan (Mito)|Kōdōkan]], and [[Entsū-in (Matsushima)|Entsū-in]], with its [[Namban art|western decorative motifs]]); one hundred and forty-four [[Monuments of Japan]] (including [[Matsushima]], [[Takata-matsubara]], [[Yūbikan]], and the [[Site of Tagajō]]); six [[Groups of Traditional Buildings]]; and four [[Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties]]. Stone monuments at the UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]]: [[Shrines and Temples of Nikkō]] were toppled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bunka.go.jp/english/pdf/2011_Tohoku_ver14.pdf |title=Damages to Cultural Properties in "the Great East Japan Earthquake" |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |date=16 February 2012 |accessdate=22 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328065531/http://www.bunka.go.jp/english/pdf/2011_Tohoku_ver14.pdf |archivedate=28 March 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkazai/tohokujishin_kanren/hisaijyokyo.html |script-title=ja:東日本大震災による文化芸術分野の被災状況 |trans-title=Effects of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in the field of Culture and the Arts |language=Japanese |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |accessdate=22 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425065349/http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkazai/tohokujishin_kanren/hisaijyokyo.html |archivedate=25 April 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/culture/news/20110312-OYT1T00635.htm |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110512010008/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/culture/news/20110312-OYT1T00635.htm |dead-url=yes |archive-date=12 May 2011 |title=岡倉天心ゆかりの文化財「六角堂」、津波で消失 |publisher=[[Daily Yomiuri]] |date=12 March 2011 |accessdate=6 May 2011 |df= }}</ref> In Tokyo, there was damage to [[Koishikawa Kōrakuen]], [[Rikugien Garden|Rikugien]], [[Hamarikyu Gardens|Hamarikyū Onshi Teien]], and the walls of [[Edo Castle]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkashingikai/seisaku/09_01/pdf/shiryo_6.pdf |title=Damage to Cultural Properties |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |date=27 April 2011 |accessdate=9 May 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512010025/http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkashingikai/seisaku/09_01/pdf/shiryo_6.pdf |archivedate=12 May 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Information on the condition of collections held by museums, libraries and archives is still incomplete.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iccrom.org/eng/news_en/2011_en/various_en/13_24earthquakeJapan_en.pdf |title=An Interim Report on the Situation of Cultural Heritage in Japan after the Tōhoku district -off the Pacific Ocean Earthquake (or Tōhoku Earthquake) |publisher=[[ICCROM]] |accessdate=8 May 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110512010023/http://www.iccrom.org/eng/news_en/2011_en/various_en/13_24earthquakeJapan_en.pdf| archivedate= 12 May 2011 | deadurl= yes}}</ref> There was no damage to the [[Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi]] in Iwate Prefecture, and the recommendation for their inscription on the [[List of World Heritage Sites in Japan|UNESCO World Heritage List]] in June was seized upon as a symbol of international recognition and recovery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110507002957.htm |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110507220154/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110507002957.htm |dead-url=yes |archive-date=7 May 2011 |title=UNESCO move brings joy |publisher=[[Daily Yomiuri]] |accessdate=9 May 2011 |df= }}</ref>
==Aftermath==
[[File:Rescued from Tsunami at Ishinomaki.JPG|thumb|upright|Rescue operations in the floodwaters in downtown [[Ishinomaki]]]]
<!-- (This is a summary only – see main article for supporting references.) -->{{Main|Aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}}
The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami included both a humanitarian crisis and a major economic impact. The tsunami resulted in over 340,000 displaced people in the Tōhoku region, and shortages of food, water, shelter, medicine, and fuel for survivors. In response the Japanese government mobilized the Self-Defence Forces (under Joint Task Force – Tōhoku, led by Lieutenant General [[Eiji Kimizuka]]), while many countries sent search and rescue teams to help search for survivors. Aid organizations both in Japan and worldwide also responded, with the Japanese Red Cross reporting $1 billion in donations. The economic impact included both immediate problems, with industrial production suspended in many factories, and the longer term issue of the cost of rebuilding which has been estimated at ¥10 trillion ($122 billion). In comparison to the [[1995 Great Hanshin earthquake]], the East Japan earthquake brought serious damage to an extremely wide range.<ref>{{cite book | title=East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: Evacuation, Communication, Education and Volunteerism | publisher=Research Publishing Services |author1=Rajib Shaw |author2=Yukiko Takeuchi | year=2012 | location=Singapore | page=288 | isbn=978-981-07-0186-4}}</ref>
The aftermath of the twin disasters also left Japan's coastal cities and towns with nearly 25 million tons of debris. In Ishinomaki alone, there were 17 trash collection sites {{convert|180|m}} long and at least {{convert|4.5|m}} high. An official in the city's government trash disposal department estimated that it would take three years to empty these sites.<ref>{{cite journal | title=Japan tackles mountains of trash | publisher=Christian Science Monitor | author=Peter Ford | date=18 July 2011 | page=12 | url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2011/0715/Japan-tackles-mountains-of-trash-left-in-tsunami-s-wake}}</ref>
In April 2015, authorities off the coast of [[Oregon]] discovered debris that is thought to be from a boat destroyed during the tsunami. Cargo contained yellowtail jack fish, a species that lives off the coast of Japan, still alive. KGW estimates that more than 1 million tons of debris still remain in the Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mejia|first1=Paula|title=Piece of Ship from Japan's 2011 Tsunami Surfaces in Oregon|url=http://www.newsweek.com/piece-ship-japans-2011-tsunami-surfaces-oregon-321793|website=Newsweek|accessdate=13 April 2015}}</ref>
==Humanitarian response==
[[File:Japanese fundraisers.jpg|thumb|Japanese students collecting funds for the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami at the [[University of Pécs]], [[Hungary]]]]
{{Main|Humanitarian response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}}
[[File:2011TsunamiFireVehicles.jpg|thumb|upright|Emergency vehicles staging in the ruins of [[:en:Otsuchi, Iwate|Otsuchi]], Japan following the tsunami]]
According to Japan's foreign ministry, 116 countries and 28 international organizations offered assistance. Japan specifically requested assistance from teams from [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Korea]], and the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/us-japan-quake-aid-refile-idUSTRE72A71320110311|title=Japan requests foreign rescue teams, UN says|last=Nebehay|first=Stephanie|date=11 March 2011|work=[[Reuters]]|accessdate=11 March 2011}}</ref>
==Media coverage==
[[File:Anti nuclear rally in Tokyo on Sunday 27 March 2011.JPG|thumb|Anti-nuclear protest following the disaster]]
Japan's national public broadcaster, [[NHK]], and [[JSTV|Japan Satellite Television]] suspended their usual programming to provide ongoing coverage of the situation.<ref>NHK News, 14:40 JST.</ref> Other nationwide Japanese and international TV networks also broadcast uninterrupted coverage of the disaster. [[Ustream.tv|Ustream Asia]] broadcast live feeds of NHK, [[Tokyo Broadcasting System]], [[Nippon TV]], [[Fuji TV]], [[TV Asahi]], [[TV Tokyo]], [[Tokyo MX]], [[TV Kanagawa]], and [[CNN]] on the Internet starting on 12 March 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20110312_432721.html |title=Ustream Asia、民放TV各局の東北地方太平洋沖地震報道番組を同時配jmjffr -INTERNET Watch |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wpuUWE?url=http://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20110312_432721.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[YokosoNews]], an Internet webcast in Japan, dedicated its broadcast to the latest news gathered from Japanese news stations, translating them in real time to English.<ref>Pinola, Melanie. [http://lifehacker.com/#!5781316/listen-to-live-coverage-from-japan-in-english-from-yokosonews Listen to Live Coverage from Japan In English from YokosoNews], "lifehacker", 13 March 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wqbuig?url=http://lifehacker.com/%23%215781316/listen-to-live-coverage-from-japan-in-english-from-yokosonews |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref>
It was noted that the Japanese news media has been at times overly cautious to avoid panic and reliance on confusing statements by experts and officials.<ref>Brasor, Philip. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20110320pb.html "Local broadcasters remain calm during the quake crisis,"] ''Japan Times''. 20 March 2011; Johnston, Eric. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110321f1.html "Foreign media take flak for fanning fears,"] ''Japan Times''. 21 March 2011; Harlan, Chico and Akiko Yamamoto. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/in-japan-disaster-coverage-is-measured-not-breathless/2011/03/26/AFMmfxlB_story.html "In Japan, disaster coverage is measured, not breathless,"] ''Washington Post'' (US). 27 March 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2011.{{cite web|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20110320pb.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=20 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wqoFZn?url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20110320pb.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
In this national crisis, the Japanese government provided [[Japanese Sign Language]] (JSL) interpreting at the press conferences related to the earthquake and tsunami.<ref>[http://deafjapan.blogspot.com/2011/03/first-interpreting-at-government-press.html "First interpreting at government press conference on disaster,"] ''Deaf News Japan.'' 20 March 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wsgMdq?url=http://deafjapan.blogspot.com/2011/03/first-interpreting-at-government-press.html |date=18 April 2011 }}</ref> Television broadcasts of the press conferences of [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Naoto Kan]] and [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yukio Edano]] included simultaneous JSL interpreters standing next to the Japanese flag on the same platform.<ref>[http://www.usicd.org/index.cfm/news_pwd-relief-headquarters-petition "Japan Relief Headquarters for Persons with Disabilities Petition for Support and Accommodation Following Earthquake,"] United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD), 17 March 2011, retrieved 14 April 2011; [http://www.komei.or.jp/en/news/detail/20110320_4766 "New Komeito post-quake initiatives being adopted,"] New Komeito Party. 20 March 2011, retrieved 14 April 2011; [http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110401/japan-radiation-110401/20110401/?hub=EdmontonHome "Japan's PM set to visit crippled nuclear plant,"] CTV (Canada). 1 April 2011; see photo. Retrieved 2011-04-14.{{cite web|url=http://www.komei.or.jp/en/news/detail/20110320_4766 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=14 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2wssAVh?url=http://www.komei.or.jp/en/news/detail/20110320_4766 |archivedate=18 April 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
According to [[Jake Adelstein]], most Japanese media accepted and parroted the misinformation put out by the Japanese government and TEPCO about the unfolding Fukushima nuclear crisis. Notable exceptions, according to Adelstein, were newspapers ''[[Sankei Shimbun]]'' and ''[[Chunichi Shimbun]]'' which questioned the accuracy of the information coming from the government and TEPCO. Because of the unquestioning nature of most Japanese media to hold to the "party line", many Japanese mid-level officials and experts spoke to foreign media to get their opinions and observations publicized.<ref>[[Jake Adelstein|Adelstein, Jake]], "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/01/01/national/what-2011-means-for-japan-in-2012-and-beyond/ What 2011 means for Japan in 2012 and beyond]," ''[[Japan Times]]'', 1 January 2012, p. 20.</ref>
[[Atsushi Funahashi]], director of ''Nuclear Nation'' notes that "when the overseas media was calling Fukushima a '[[Nuclear meltdown|meltdown]],' the Japanese government and media waited two months before admitting it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2014/03/japans-radioactive-nightmare.html|title=JAPAN'S RADIOACTIVE NIGHTMARE|publisher=[[The New Yorker]]}}</ref>
Nine days after the earthquake hit, a [[Scientific visualization|visualization]] and [[sonification]] were uploaded to [[YouTube]] allowing listeners to hear the earthquake as it unfolded in time. Two days of seismic activity made available by the [[IRIS Consortium]] were compressed into two minutes of sound. The large number of views made the video one of the most popular examples of sonification on the web.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PJxUPvz9Oo|title=Sonification of the Tōhoku Earthquake}}</ref>
Also, following the earthquake, for the first time in Japanese history, the Emperor addressed the nation in a pre-recorded television broadcast.<ref>{{cite web|title=Somber Japan emperor makes unprecedented address to nation|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-quake-emperor-idUSTRE72F23520110316|website=Reuters|accessdate=22 May 2016|date=16 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Japan's Emperor Akihito expresses 'deep concern' over Fukushima nuclear plant crisis|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-in/8385058/Japans-Emperor-Akihito-expresses-deep-concern-over-Fukushima-nuclear-plant-crisis.html|website=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=22 May 2016}}</ref>
==Scientific and research response==
Seismologists anticipated a very large quake would strike in the same place as the [[1923 Great Kantō earthquake]] — in the [[Sagami Trough]], southwest of Tokyo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-japan-earthquake-tsunami-big-one-science/ |title=Japan Earthquake Not the "Big One"? |last=Lovett |first=Richard A. |date=14 March 2011 |work=[[National Geographic News]] |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xG1LYwp9?url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-japan-earthquake-tsunami-big-one-science/ |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="Achenbach">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031102415_pf.html |title=Japan: The 'Big One' hit, but not where they thought it would |last=Achenbach |first=Joel |date=11 March 2011 |work=The Washington Post |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xG1EVm2z?url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031102415_pf.html |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> The Japanese government had tracked plate movements since 1976 in preparation for the so-called [[Tōkai earthquakes|Tokai earthquake]], predicted to take place in that region.<ref name="Powell">{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/japan-earthquake-surpise/ |title=Japan Quake Epicenter Was in Unexpected Location |last=Powell |first=Devin |date=17 March 2011 |work=[[Wired News]] |accessdate=17 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xG14OpFb?url=http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/japan-earthquake-surpise/ |archivedate=17 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> However, occurring as it did {{convert|373|km|mi|abbr=on}} north east of Tokyo, the Tōhoku earthquake came as a surprise to seismologists. While the [[Japan Trench]] was known for creating large quakes, it had not been expected to generate quakes above an 8.0 magnitude.<ref name="Achenbach" /><ref name="Powell" /> The Headquarters For Earthquake Research Promotion setup by Japanese government have then reassessed the long term risk of trench-type earthquakes around Japan, and it was announced in November 2011 that, combining with researches on [[869 Sanriku earthquake]], an earthquake similar to this one (with a magnitude of {{M|w|link=y}} 8.4–9.0) would take place in the area between off the coast of Pacific side of the Northeast Japan in an average of every 600 years intervals (See also [[Seismicity of the Sanriku coast]]), and it is also assessed that a tsunami-earthquake with a [[Seismic scale#Tsunami magnitude scales|tsunami magnitude scales]] (Mt) between 8.6 and 9.0 (Similar to [[1896 Sanriku earthquake]], the Mt for the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake is 9.1–9.4) will have a 30% chance to occur within 30 years.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/111126/dst11112608520000-n1.htm|title = 三陸沖〜房総沖で「Ｍ9」30年以内に30% 地震調査委|publisher = Sankei Shimbun|date = 2011-11-26|accessdate = 2011-11-26|deadurl = yes|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20111126231054/http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/111126/dst11112608520000-n1.htm|archivedate = 26 November 2011|df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.jishin.go.jp/main/chousa/11nov_sanriku/index.htm|title = 三陸沖から房総沖にかけての地震活動の長期評価（第二版）について|publisher = The Headquarters For Earthquake Research Promotion|date = 2011-11-25|accessdate = 2011-11-26}}</ref>
The quake gave scientists the opportunity to collect a large amount of data so as to model in great detail the seismic events that took place.<ref name="DW" /> This data is expected to be used in a variety of ways, providing as it does unprecedented information about how buildings respond to shaking, and other effects.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-sci-japan-quake-science-20110313,0,5782113.story |title=Japan earthquake shifted Earth on its axis |last=Brown |first=Eryn |date=12 March 2011 |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=13 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5x96cBq8d?url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-sci-japan-quake-science-20110313,0,5782113.story |archivedate=13 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Gravimetry|Gravimetric]] data from the quake has been used to create a model for [[Earthquake warning system|increased warning time]] compared to seismic models, as gravity fields travel faster than seismic waves.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms13349 |title=Prompt gravity signal induced by the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake |doi=10.1038/ncomms13349 |pmid=27874858 |pmc=5121411 |volume=7 |journal=Nature Communications |page=13349|year=2016 |last1=Montagner |first1=Jean-Paul |last2=Juhel |first2=Kévin |last3=Barsuglia |first3=Matteo |last4=Ampuero |first4=Jean Paul |last5=Chassande-Mottin |first5=Eric |last6=Harms |first6=Jan |last7=Whiting |first7=Bernard |last8=Bernard |first8=Pascal |last9=Clévédé |first9=Eric |last10=Lognonné |first10=Philippe |bibcode=2016NatCo...713349M }}</ref>
Researchers have also analysed the economic effects of this earthquake and have developed models of the nationwide propagation via interfirm supply networks of the shock originated in Tōhoku region.<ref name="Todo">{{cite journal | last1 = Todo | first1 = Yasuyuki | last2 = Nakajima | first2 = Kentaro | last3 = Matous | first3 = Petr | year = 2015 | title = How do supply chain networks affect the resilience of firms to natural disasters? Evidence from the Great East Japan Earthquake | journal = Regional Science | volume = 55 | issue = 2| pages = 209–229 | doi=10.1111/jors.12119}}</ref><ref name="matous">{{cite journal | last1 = Matous | first1 = Petr | last2 = Todo | first2 = Yasuyuki | year = 2016 | title = Energy and resilience: The effects of endogenous interdependencies on trade network formation across space among major Japanese firms | url = | journal = Network Science | volume = 4| issue = 2| pages = 141–163| doi = 10.1017/nws.2015.37 }}</ref>
Researchers soon after the full extent of the disaster was known launched a project to gather all digital material relating to the disaster into an online searchable archive to form the basis of future research into the events during and after the disaster. The Japan Digital Archive is presented in English and Japanese and is hosted at the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at [[Harvard University]] in Boston, Massachusetts. Some of the first research to come from the archive was a 2014 paper from the Digital Methods Initiative in Amsterdam about patterns of [[Twitter]] usage around the time of the disaster.
After the 2011 disaster the UNISDR, [[United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction]], held its [[World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction]] in Tohoku in March 2015, which produced the [[Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction|Sendai Framework]] document to guide efforts by international development agencies to act before disasters instead of reacting to them after the fact. At this time Japan's Disaster Management Office (Naikakufu Bosai Keikaku) published a bi-lingual guide in Japanese and English, ''Disaster Management in Japan'', to outline the several varieties of natural disaster and the preparations being made for the eventuality of each. In the fall of 2016 Japan's National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED; Japanese abbreviation, Bosai Kaken; full name Bousai Kagaku Gijutsu Kenkyusho) launched the online interactive "Disaster Chronology Map for Japan, 416–2013" (map labels in Japanese) to display in visual form the location, disaster time, and date across the islands.
An expedition named [[Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project]] have been conducted in year 2012–2013 to drill oceanfloor boreholes through the fault-zone of the earthquake and gathered important data about the rupture mechanism and physical properties of the fault that caused the huge earthquake and tsuanmi which devastated much of northeast Japan.<ref name="smithsonian">Smithsonian.com [http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/fault-that-caused-japans-2011-earthquake-is-thin-and-slippery-180948057/?no-ist Fault that Caused Japan's 2011 Earthquake is Thin and Slippery], Dec. 5, 2013</ref><ref name="christsci">Christian Science Monitor [http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2013/1206/Japan-s-monster-quake-Do-scientists-have-key-to-decode-future-temblors Japan's monster quake: Do scientists have key to decode future tremblors?], Dec. 6, 2013</ref>
==See also==
[[File:Fukushima7.png|thumb|Fukushima radiation comparison to other incidents and standards, with graph of recorded radiation levels and specific accident events. ''(Note: Does not include all radiation readings from Fukushima Daini site)'']]
* [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]]
* [[Health crisis]]
* [[List of earthquakes in 2011]]
* [[List of earthquakes in Japan]]
* [[List of historical tsunamis]]
* [[Lists of earthquakes]]
* [http://dil-db.bosai.go.jp/saigai/ Map to chronicle all known disasters in Japan from 416–2013] (labels in Japanese)
* [[Nuclear power in Japan#Seismicity|Nuclear power in Japan § Seismicity]]
* ''[[Ryou-Un Maru]]''
* [[Seismicity of the Sanriku coast]]
==Notes==
{{Reflist | group="fn"}}
{{Clear}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name=15wcee>{{cite conference|title=Source rupture process of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake derived from strong-motion records|url=http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/WCEE2012_1650.pdf|first=W.|last=Suzuki|first2=S.|last2=Aoi|first3=H.|last3=Sekiguchi|first4=T.|last4=Kunugi|conference=Proceedings of the fifteenth world conference on earthquake engineering|year=2012|location=Lisbon, Portugal|page=1}}</ref>
<ref name="jma">{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20110311150154391-111446.html |title=Japan Meteorological Agency | Earthquake Information |publisher=Jma.go.jp |accessdate=11 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5y2xF2rpM?url=http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20110311150154391-111446.html |archivedate=18 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>}}
==Further reading==
* {{cite book | editor = Architectural Institute of Japan | title = Preliminary Reconnaissance Report of the 2011 Tōhoku-Chiho Taiheiyo-Oki Earthquake | edition = | url = | accessdate = | year = 2012 | series= | publisher = Springer | location = | isbn = | issn = | oclc = | page = 460}}
* {{cite book | last = Birmingham | first = Lucy | first2 = David | last2 = McNeill | title = Strong in the Rain: Surviving Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami and Fukushima Nuclear Disaster | edition = | url = | accessdate = | year = 2012 | series= | publisher = Palgrave Macmillan | location = | isbn = | issn = | oclc = | page = 256}}
* Cabinet Office Disaster Management, Government of Japan (2015). ''Disaster Management in Japan''. Online (bilingual), http://www.bousai.go.jp/1info/pdf/saigaipamphlet_je.pdf
* Levi McLaughlin {{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/4190393|title=What Have Religious Groups Done After 3.11? Part 1: A Brief Survey of Religious Mobilization after the Great East Japan Earthquake Disasters}}
* Levi McLaughlin {{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/4190405|title=What Have Religious Groups Done After 3.11? Part 2: From Religious Mobilization to "Spiritual Care."}}
==External links==
{{sister project links|commons=Category:2011 Tōhoku earthquake|wikt=no|q=no|b=no|s=no|v=no|species=no|n=Category:2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami}}
* [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/japan-killer-quake.html Japan's Killer Quake] – [[Nova (TV series)|NOVA]]
* [https://earthquake.usgs.gov/archive/product/poster/20110311/us/1481142094043/poster.pdf Poster of the Great Tōhoku Earthquake] from [[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS)
* [http://supersites.earthobservations.org/sendai.php Scientific information about the Tōhoku earthquake]
* {{YouTube|id=xylDxj6-9dY|title=Earthquake Swarm Google Earth Animation}}
* [http://ptwc.weather.gov/ Pacific Tsunami Warning Center] at [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA)
* [http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/DE687B15F54FBFBD8525785500636B6C-map.pdf Map of Tsunami Inundation Areas in Japan] from [http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/RKRR-8EZP8P?OpenDocument&rc=3&emid=EQ-2011-000028-JPN ReliefWeb]
* [http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/03/massive_earthquake_hits_japan.html Massive earthquake hits Japan] Photos from ''[[The Boston Globe]]''
* [http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/japan-quake-2011/beforeafter.htm Japan Earthquake: before and after] aerial and satellite images from ABC News, credited to [http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/03/post-earthquake-images-of-japan.html Post-earthquake images of Japan]
* [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html Satellite Photos of Japan, Before and After the Quake and Tsunami] ''The New York Times''
* [https://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami] at [[Google Crisis Response]]
* [https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121020104648/http://ias.umn.edu/phenomena/bat-faculty-interviews/japan-in-crisis-2011/ Japan in Crisis: A Series of Interviews with Scholars by Peter Shea at the University of Minnesota]
* [http://www.sciencemag.org/site/feature/data/hottopics/japanquake/ Special: The Tōhoku-Oki Earthquake, Japan] – free-access scientific papers from ''Science'' magazine
* {{Dmoz|Science/Earth_Sciences/Natural_Disasters_and_Hazards/Earthquakes/Past_Earthquakes/Sendai%2C_Japan_2011}}
* [http://www.news-world.us/pics/2011/03/11/japan-gigantic-earthquake-and-tsunami-2011/ Japan Gigantic Earthquake and Tsunami 2011]
* [http://e.nagasaki.mapping.jp/p/japan-earthquake.html The East Japan Earthquake Archive (Testimonies of survivors, Photographs and Videos on Google Earth)]
* [https://www.npr.org/2011/03/18/134658880/Japan-Earthquake-May-Have-Changed-Earths-Axis Gross, Richard. (2011, 19 March) "Japan Earthquake May Have Shifted Earth's Axis" – NPR online]
* [http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/news/tags/index.php/pw:jpnearthquake2011/Great%20East%20Japan%20Earthquake%202011/ PreventionWeb Great East Japan Earthquake 2011 ]
* [http://www9.nhk.or.jp/311shogen/en/ Video archives] from ''[[NHK]]''
* {{YouTube | u = FNN311 | Video archives "Remembering 3/11"}} from [[Fuji News Network|''FNN'']]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170214183702/https://beslider.com/album/japan-tohoku-earthquake-and-tsunami Interactive Comparisons of Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami] at Beslider.com
* {{EQ-isc-link|16461282}}
{{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}}
{{Earthquakes in 2011}}
{{Earthquakes in Japan}}
{{JapanTrenchMegathrust}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2011 Tohoku Earthquake And Tsunami}}
[[Category:2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami| ]]
[[Category:2011 earthquakes|Tohoku]]
[[Category:2011 in Japan|Earthquake]]
[[Category:2011 tsunamis]]
[[Category:Coasts of Japan]]
[[Category:Civilian nuclear power accidents]]
[[Category:Midway Atoll]]
[[Category:History of Tokyo]]
[[Category:Megathrust earthquakes in Japan]]
[[Category:2011 natural disasters in the United States|Tohoku]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in British Columbia]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in California]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Hawaii]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Oregon]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Peru]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Nuclear energy in Japan]]
[[Category:Postwar Japan]]
[[Category:Sendai]]
[[Category:Tōhoku region]]
[[Category:Tsunamis in Chile]]
[[Category:Tsunamis in Japan]]
[[Category:Tsunamis in the United States]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:March 2011 events]]' |
Unified diff of changes made by edit (edit_diff) | '@@ -28,5 +28,5 @@
| PGA = 2.99 ''[[peak ground acceleration|g]]''
| PGV = 117.41 cm/s
-| tsunami = Up to {{Convert|40.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />in [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]], [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
+| tsunami = Up to {{Convert|40.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />in [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]], [[Iwate Prefecture rumour has it a man got a full bird shot on his head at the time of the event|Iwate]], [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| landslide = Yes
| foreshocks = [[List of foreshocks and aftershocks of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake]]
' |
New page size (new_size) | 231363 |
Old page size (old_size) | 231285 |
Size change in edit (edit_delta) | 78 |
Lines added in edit (added_lines) | [
0 => '| tsunami = Up to {{Convert|40.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />in [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]], [[Iwate Prefecture rumour has it a man got a full bird shot on his head at the time of the event|Iwate]], [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]'
] |
Lines removed in edit (removed_lines) | [
0 => '| tsunami = Up to {{Convert|40.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />in [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]], [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]'
] |
Whether or not the change was made through a Tor exit node (tor_exit_node) | false |
Unix timestamp of change (timestamp) | 1542467708 |