Tohoku, Japan 2011

Question 1

When did the earthquake and tsunami occur, and what was the magnitude of the earthquake?

Answer 1

The earthquake and tsunami occurred on March 11, 2011, at 14:46 local time, with a magnitude of 9

Question 2

What geological feature caused the earthquake and tsunami?

Answer 2

The event was caused by an undersea subduction zone on the destructive Pacific and Eurasian margin

Question 3

What was the GDP per capita of the affected region before the event?

Answer 3

The GDP per capita was $39,473 before the event

Question 4

What were some measures in place before the event to mitigate damage?

Answer 4

There were strict building regulations, with 75% of buildings built to withstand high sea walls.

Education and disaster preparedness were emphasized, with significant annual spending.

However, Fukushima was not built to withstand a tsunami event.

Question 5

What was the immediate response to the earthquake and tsunami?

Answer 5

• 110,000 troops were mobilized within 24 hours
• Live coverage on TV and radio,
• International aid was quickly accepted
• The Japanese Red Cross received $1 billion in donations
• motorway was repaired within 6 days

Question 6

What were some long-term responses to the disaster?

Answer 6

A 20km exclusion zone still exists around Fukushima, and all 44 nuclear reactors in Japan were closed

Question 7

What were the social impacts of the earthquake and tsunami?

Answer 7

• 20,000 people were dead or missing, with 66% of victims over 60 years old.
• The majority of deaths were caused by drowning, with 10% from being crushed or burnt
• 131,000 people were homeless
• 100,000 children were separated from parents while at school.

Question 8

What were the economic impacts of the earthquake and tsunami?

Answer 8

• The price of electricity increased by 20%,
• estimated cost of damage was $225 billion.
• 25 million tonnes of debris were generated
• 4 ports destroyed
• 4.4 million homes and businesses were lost

Question 9

What were some environmental impacts of the earthquake and tsunami?

Answer 9

There was contamination of groundwater and destruction of coastal ecosystems, with a 40-meter tsunami wave and coastal subsidence of 0.6 meters. Liquefaction also occurred.