japan

• The Great East Japan Earthquake


  March 11, 2011: Magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off Japan's coast
• Tsunami triggered by the earthquake


  Devastated the Tohoku region, causing widespread damage and loss of life
• Tohoku region


  Area of Japan heavily affected by the earthquake and tsunami
• Number of Deaths


  Estimated 15,894 people
• People Missing

  Over 2,500 people
• Homes Destroyed/Partially Destroyed

  More than 239,000 homes
• People Exposed to Radiation

  Thousands of people due to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant damage
• What magnitude did the 2011 Japan earthquake measure on the Richter Scale?


  1. 0
• When did the 2011 Japan earthquake occur?

  March 11, 2011, at 2:46 pm
• How deep was the 2011 Japan earthquake?

  20 miles
• Where did the earthquake occur in relation to Japan's main island?

  250 miles off the northeast coast
• Why does Japan experience earthquakes?

  Due to subduction of the Pacific Plate
• What type of plate margin is found east of Japan?

  Destructive plate margin
• What was the energy released by the earthquake compared to?

  600 million times Hiroshima bomb energy
• What happens during the process of subduction?

  Friction builds and releases as earthquakes
• What did scientists discover in the subduction zone after the earthquake?

  A thin, slippery clay layer
• How far did the two plates slide during the earthquake?

  164 feet (50 metres)
• What was the depth of the earthquake and its impact on the tsunami?

  Shallow depth caused a significant tsunami
• How many people died due to the 2011 Japan earthquake?

  15,894
• How many people were injured in the 2011 Japan earthquake?

  26,152
• How many buildings were destroyed or damaged in the earthquake?

  332,395 buildings
• What was the impact on electricity in North-East Japan?

  1. 4 million households lost electricity
• What was the economic cost of the 2011 Japan earthquake?

  US$235 billion
• What happened to the Fukushima nuclear power station during the earthquake?

  Seven reactors experienced a meltdown
• What was the response time for tsunami warnings after the earthquake?

  Three minutes after the earthquake
• What was the purpose of the evacuation zone around Fukushima?

  To reduce radiation exposure risk
• What did the government do for those evacuated from the Fukushima area?

  Checked radiation levels and health
• What was established by the Japanese government in April 2011?

  The Reconstruction Policy Council
• What was the budget approved for reconstruction efforts?

  23 trillion yen (approximately £190 billion)
• What is the goal of the 'Special Zones for Reconstruction' system?

  To attract investment for reconstruction
• What was the impact of the earthquake on Japan's stock markets?

  Wiped 5–10% off their value
• What percentage of the electricity supply was restored by November 2011?

  96%
• Why do people continue to live in high-risk areas in Japan?

  Attachment to family and fertile land
• What were the secondary effects of the 2011 Japan earthquake?

  • Economic cost: US$235 billion
  • Tsunami: Waves up to 40 m high, extensive damage
  • Nuclear power: Fukushima reactors meltdown
  • Transport: Rural areas isolated, major road damage
• What were the primary effects of the 2011 Japan earthquake?

  • Death and injury: 15,894 died, 26,152 injured
  • Damage: 332,395 buildings, 2,126 roads, 56 bridges destroyed
  • Blackouts: 4.4 million households without electricity
  • Transport disruptions: Major impacts on transport network
• What were the immediate responses to the Japan 2011 earthquake?

  • Tsunami warnings issued 3 minutes post-earthquake
  • 100,000 Self-Defence Force members dispatched
  • Evacuation zone declared around Fukushima
  • International aid received from multiple countries
• What were the long-term responses to the Japan 2011 earthquake?

  • Reconstruction Policy Council established
  • 23 trillion yen budget approved for recovery
  • Coastal protection policies enacted
  • Development of tsunami-resilient communities promoted