japan

• When did the earthquake strike Japan?

  On the 11th of March 2011
• What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Japan?

  Magnitude 9
• What geographical feature is Japan located on?

  Eastern edge of the Eurasian plate
• What type of plate boundary exists between the Eurasian and Pacific plates?

  Destructive boundary
• What happens to the oceanic Pacific plate at the boundary with the Eurasian plate?

  The Pacific plate sinks under the continental Eurasian Plate
• At what time did the earthquake occur?

  1. 46 p.m. local time
• How far was the epicenter of the earthquake from Tohoku?

  70 km east
• What was the depth of the earthquake's focus?

  29 km
• How high did the tsunami reach?

  Up to 40.5 m high
• How far inland did the tsunami travel?

  Up to 10 kilometres inland
• What were the primary impacts of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan?

  • 16,000 deaths
  • 10% of all fishing ports damaged
  • 400 km stretch of coastline dropped by 1.6 meters
  • Damage to the nuclear power station at Fukushima
• What were the secondary impacts of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan?

  • 19,000 homes without clean water or electricity
  • 70,000 people evacuated due to nuclear power station damage
  • Total estimated cost of £182 billion
• What were the immediate responses to the disaster in Japan?

  • Debris cleared within two days by the Japanese Army
  • Assistance offered by 116 countries and 28 international organisations
• What were the long-term responses to the disaster in Japan?

  • New tsunami walls constructed 25 to 30 meters high
  • £25 million warning system revealed in March 2013
  • 96% of electricity restored by November
• Why is Japan considered good at responding to natural hazards?

  Because it is a high-income country with earthquake-resistant buildings and educated citizens
• What is celebrated every year on September 1st in Japan?

  Disaster Prevention Day
• How does Japan's preparedness for natural hazards reflect in its infrastructure?

  Many buildings are earthquake resistant