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Questions and Answers
What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Tohoku, Japan on March 11, 2011?
How many people were killed in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?
What was the estimated cost of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?
How many buildings were destroyed or damaged in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?
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What was the primary cause of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake?
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What was the height of the tsunami waves that struck the coast of Tohoku, Japan?
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How many people were left homeless after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?
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What was the response time of the Japan Meteorological Agency in issuing a tsunami warning?
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What was the purpose of the defensive sea walls built in Tohoku, Japan?
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What is the estimated accuracy of predicting tsunami-prone areas based on earthquake magnitude and location?
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Study Notes
2011 Tohoku Earthquake, Japan
- 9.0 magnitude earthquake, 5th strongest globally, occurred on March 11, 2011, 70km from the coast of Sendai Bay, Japan
- Caused by the denser Oceanic Pacific plate being subducted under the Eurasian plate
- Focus of the earthquake was 25km below the Pacific Ocean
Damage and Casualties
- 700 people killed, despite the large magnitude, due to strict building codes
- 30 homes and buildings destroyed, and 1000 damaged
- 2 nuclear power stations shut down due to fractures and power loss
- An oil refinery set on fire due to damaged gas pipes
- Roads and railways damaged, including the Tohoku motorway
- Fujinuma dam failed and collapsed
Tsunami
- Huge tsunami with waves up to 40 meters (131 ft) high
- 15,900 people died, 2600 missing, and 6150 injured
- 450,000 people left homeless, with 120,000 buildings destroyed
- Fukushima nuclear power plant damaged, leading to nuclear meltdowns and explosions, causing radioactive contamination
Response and Relief
- Immediate tsunami warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency, 3 minutes after the earthquake
- Automatic warning systems triggered on TVs and mobile phones
- Rescue workers and 100,000 Japan self-defence force dispatched to help in search and rescue operations
- International search and rescue teams sent from New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, China, and India
- Temporary shelters set up in schools and other public buildings
- 70,000 temporary homes built
Prevention and Preparation
- Earthquake drills take place every year in schools and workplaces
- Emergency services trained
- Earthquake-proof buildings with deep foundations, strong and flexible frames, and automatic gas shut-off
- Large sea walls to block tsunami waves
- Earthquake survival kits in homes
- Technology to predict the areas where an earthquake will hit, with 80-90% accuracy
- Tsunamis can be predicted using data from the magnitude and location of the earthquake, prioritizing areas for evacuation
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Description
Test your knowledge about the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan, one of the strongest earthquakes globally. Learn about its impact, damage, and effects on the region. Recall the details of this historic event.
