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2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami

Coordinates: 38°19′19″N 142°22′08″E / 38.322°N 142.369°E / 38.322; 142.369
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2011 Sendai earthquake
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami is located in Japan
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
UTC time??
Magnitude8.9 Mw
Depth15.2 mi (24 km)
Epicenter38°19′19″N 142°22′08″E / 38.322°N 142.369°E / 38.322; 142.369
TypeEarthquake resulting in a tsunami
Areas affectedJapan
Total damageUnknown
TsunamiYes
LandslidesYes
AftershocksAt least 71 (15 above 6.0 Mw)
Casualties(Preliminary): 19,759 deaths,[1] dead, 2,553 people missing[2] missing[3]

The 2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami (東北地方太平洋沖地震, tōhoku chihō taiheiyō-oki jishin[4], literally Tōhoku region Pacific Ocean offshore earthquake") was an 8.9-magnitude megathrust earthquake that created tsunami waves of up to 10 metres (33 ft).[5] It was measured at 7[6] on the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale in the northern Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, with an initially-reported magnitude of 7.9[6], while the JMA's tsunami warning listed the magnitude as 8.4[7], later updated to 8.8.[8] The earthquake focus was reported to be off the Oshika Peninsula, the east coast of Tohoku on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 05:46 UTC (14:46 local time) at a depth of 24.4 kilometres (15.2 miles).[9] News reports by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) indicate that 19,759 deaths,[10] people have died and another 2,553 people missing[11] are missing in six different prefectures.[3]

The magnitude of 8.9 made it the largest earthquake to hit Japan in recorded history[5] and the seventh largest in the world since records began.[12]

Earthquake

The earthquake occurred in the western Pacific Ocean, 130 kilometres (81 miles) east of Sendai, Honshu, Japan. Its epicenter was 373 kilometres (232 miles) from Tokyo, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Multiple aftershocks were reported after the initial M8.8 quake on 14:46 local time. A magnitude 7.0 aftershock was reported at 15:06 local time, M7.4 at 15:15 local time and M7.2 at 15:26 local time.[citation needed] Over forty aftershocks of magnitude 5.0 or greater occurred in the few hours after the initial quake. Most of Tokyo was left without power in the hours following the quake.[citation needed]

A view across the city of Toyko, with a burning building in the distance
The aftermath of the earthquake in Tokyo

Initially reported as 7.9 by the USGC, the magnitude was quickly restated as 8.8 and then 8.9.[5]

This earthquake occurred in the Japan Trench. A quake of this size usually has a rupture length of at least 480 km (300 miles) and requires a long, relatively straight fault line. Because the plate boundary in this region is not so straight, earthquakes in this region are usually expected with magnitude up to 8 to 8.5, and the magnitude of this earthquake was a surprise to some seismologists.[13]

The quake registered a maximum 7 on the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale in Kurihara, Miyagi Prefecture.[6][14] Three other prefectures—Fukushima, Ibaraki and Tochigi—recorded upper 6 on the JMA scale. Seismic stations in Iwate, Gunma, Saitama and Chiba Prefecture measured lower 6, recording upper 5 in Tokyo.

The effects of the quake included visible smoke rising from a building in the Port of Tokyo with parts of the port areas being flooded, including soil liquefaction in Tokyo Disneyland's carpark.[15][16] Shinkansen bullet train services in and out of Tokyo were suspended, though there were no derailments; Narita and Haneda Airport both suspended operations after the quake, with most flights diverted to other airports until further notice.[16] Various train services around Japan were also cancelled, with JR East suspending all services for the rest of the day.[17]

Map of the Sendai Earthquake 2011

According to Kyodo news agency, a 10-meter high tsunami was observed flooding Sendai Airport, which is located near the coast of Miyagi prefecture,[18][19] with waves sweeping aside cars and flooding various buildings as they traveled inland.[20]

A local official at the hardest-hit city of Kurihara in Miyagi Prefecture, in a telephone interview by Agence France-Presse (AFP) said:

We were shaken so strongly for a while that we needed to hold on to something in order not to fall. We couldn't escape the building immediately because the tremors continued... City officials are now outside, collecting information on damage.[16]

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said shortly after the earthquake that four nuclear power plants were shut down automatically. According to the Associated Press Japan has declared a state of emergency following the failure of the cooling system at one nuclear plant.[21] Officials say there has been no leak of radiation or radioactive material.[22] More than 2800 residents living near the power plant were ordered to evacuate.[23]

Tsunami

Tsunami ocean energy distribution forecast map for the 2011 Sendai earthquake from the U.S. NOAA

The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for Japan's Pacific coast and at least 20 countries, including the entire Pacific coast of North and South America from Alaska to Chile.[24][25][26][27] The tsunami warning issued by Japan was the most serious on its warning scale, implying that the wave was expected to be 10 meters high.[28] A 10-meter high tsunami was observed at Sendai Airport located near the coast of Miyagi prefecture,[19] which has been flooded, with waves sweeping along cars and buildings as they traveled inland.[20] Kyodo news agency has reported a four-metre-high tsunami hitting Iwate Prefecture in Japan. A 0.5 meter high wave hit Japan's northern coast.[29][16]

In a statement to the press, an official from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said:

An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines near the epicentre within minutes and more distant coastlines within hours.[16]

The United States West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Point Conception, California to the Oregon-Washington border.[27] Residents in Seaside and Astoria, Oregon were notified by reverse 911 and sirens in early morning hours to evacuate low-lying areas; public schools were closed for the day.[30]

Estimated tsunami travel time forecast

Present alert status

Since 5:55 UTC the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has been issuing frequently updated tsunami warnings and estimated arrival times.[31][32]

Arrival times for Pacific islands
3

Aftermath

Casualties

Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) has confirmed 19,759 deaths,[33] dead and another 2,553 people missing[34] missing in six different prefectures.[3]

By 09:30 March 12 UTC, Google Person Finder, which was previously used in the Haiti and Christchurch earthquakes, was collecting information about survivors and their locations.[35][36]

Infrastructure

Fire at the oil refinery

Reports of damages to production facilities are rare. According to Reuters, companies with factories and offices located in the worst hit northeast of Japan have reported no or only minor damages, although many businesses had to temporarily halt production.[37]

An oil refinery of Cosmo Oil Company was set on fire by the quake at Ichihara Chiba Prefecture to the east of Tokyo.[38]

Eleven nuclear reactors were automatically shut down in the quake-affected area, the industry ministry said. One facility in Fukushima developed a mechanical failure in the reactor cooling system due to lack of electricity after it was shut down but there was no radiation leak.[39] The core of the reactor remains hot however, so cooling is still required. A precautionary state of emergency has been declared.[40] About 2,000 residents living within a 3-kilometer radius of the plant were asked to evacuate, while residents living within a zone 3 to 10 kilometers away were asked to stay inside their homes.[39] Separately, a fire broke out at Onagawa nuclear plant in Miyagi Prefecture. The blaze was in a building housing the turbine, which is sited separately from the plant's reactor.[40]

Japan's transport network suffered as well. Many sections of Tohoku expressway serving northern Japan have been damaged.[41]

According to an unnamed official from Chunghwa Telecom, the earthquake has caused "some damage" to an undersea cable near Kita on the eastern coast of Japan but data transmission hasn't been interrupted.[42]

Financial markets

Japan’s Nikkei saw its futures slide 5% in after-market trading.[43] Other stock markets around the world were also affected; the German DAX lost 1.2% and fell to 6978 points within minutes.[44]

Response

Government response

Prime Minister Naoto Kan announced the government has mobilized the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in various earthquake disaster zones.[45] He asked the Japanese public to act calmly and tune into various media for updated information.[45][46] He also reported numerous nuclear power plants have automatically shut down to prevent damage and radiation leaks.[45] PM Kan also setup emergency headquarters in his office to coordinate the government's response.[46]

Central banks have vowed to do their utmost to ensure financial market stability.[41]

International assistance

  •  United Nations, Spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance said that 30 international search and rescue teams stand ready to go to Japan to provide assistance if necessary.[41]
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has sent "an offer of good offices to Japan, should the country request support."[40]
  •  Australia, Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan offered assistance to Japan, saying "Australia stands ready to assist Japan in any way at this difficult time."[47]
  •  Canada, Canadian Prime Minister and his family sent their heartfelt condolences to the Japanese people, “Their thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families who have lost their loved ones in the earthquake and tsunamis.” Canada, he said, will also stand by the people of Japan during this difficult moment. Federal officials will work with their B.C. counterparts to identify areas of potential federal assistance and resources.[48]
  •  United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron stated that he had "asked immediately that our Government look at what we can do to help"[49], with the Foreign Secretary William Hague stating that the UK was ready to offer "assistance needed" including humanitarian assistance or search and rescue teams.[50]
  •  China Premier Wen Jiabao offered support to Japan expressing “deep sympathy and solicitude to the Japanese government and the people” and stating that the country is willing to offer necessary help.[51]
  •  Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel offered help to Japan and expressed her sympathies to the families of the victims. In an official statement she wrote, "Be assured that in these tragic hours, Germany stands at Japan's side, and is ready to help".[52]
  •  South Korea President Lee Myung-bak, while stressing that the incident in the neighboring country was tragic, pledged to extend full assistance to Japan as it recovers from the massive quake. He ordered the government to do its utmost to assist in the recovery efforts. [53]
  •  France President Nicolas Sarkozy stated in a letter to Japan's Prime Minister that "France is ready to respond to any possible request that Japan may wish to make in order to handle this tragedy."[54]
  •  Russia President Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia would offer assistance, stating that "we stand ready to help our neighbors to overcome the consequences of that extremely strong earthquake."[55]
  •  Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse has conveyed condolences of himself, the government and the people of Sri Lanka to the Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Kunio Takahashi.[56]
  •  Thailand, The Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated in his condolence message to Japan's Prime Minister that "Thailand stands ready to assist Japan in mitigating the effects of tsunami."[57]
  •  United States President Barack Obama said that the United States "stands ready to help" in any way it can.[58]

See also

References

  1. ^ "平成23年（2011年）東北地方太平洋沖地震（東日本大震災）について（第162報）（令和4年3月8日）" [Press release no. 162 of the 2011 Tohuku earthquake] (PDF). 総務省消防庁災害対策本部 [Fire and Disaster Management Agency]. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-08-27. Retrieved 2022-09-23. Page 31 of the PDF file.
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  3. ^ a b c "TBS News: live report and update". Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS). Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  4. ^ 気象庁 Japan Meteorological Agency. "平成23年3月11日14時46分頃の三陸沖の地震について（第２報） 気象庁 | 平成２３年報道発表資料". Jma.go.jp. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  5. ^ a b c "Magnitude 8.9 – NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN 2011 March 11 05:46:23 UTC". United States Geological Survey (USGS). Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  6. ^ a b c "Japan Meteorological Agency | Earthquake Information". Jma.go.jp. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  7. ^ "Tsunami Warnings/Advisories". Japan Meteorological Agency. Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  8. ^ "東北を中心に震度7の地震 宮城県で4・2メートルの津波 建物も流される". MSN産経ニュース. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
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  13. ^ Maugh, Thomas H. "Size of Japan's quake surprises seismologists". latimes.com. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
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  15. ^ "Tokyo Disneyland hit by liquefaction after quake". MediaCorp Channel NewsAsia. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
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  17. ^ "JR東日本：列車運行情報". Traininfo.jreast.co.jp. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  18. ^ "News: Tsunami rolls through Pacific, Sendai Airport under water, Tokyo Narita closed, Pacific region airports endangered". Avherald.com. 2001-07-06. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  19. ^ a b "10-meter tsunami observed in area near Sendai in Miyagi Pref". The Mainichi Daily News. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  20. ^ a b "Japan 8.9-magnitude earthquake sparks massive tsunami". Herald Sun. Associated Press. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
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  23. ^ "Yahoo News". 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  24. ^ "TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 003". Pacific Tsunami Warning Center/NOAA/NWS. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  25. ^ By the CNN Wire Staff (March 11, 2011). "Tsunami warnings issued for at least 20 countries after quake - CNN.com". Edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 11 March 2011. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  26. ^ "PTWC warnings complete list". Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  27. ^ a b "Tsunami Warning and Advisory #7 issued 03/11/2011 at 3:39 a.m. PST". Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  28. ^ "Japan hit by massive earthquake". BBC News. 11 March 2011.
  29. ^ "Quake causes many injuries in Japan, tsunami". Reuters. 11 March 2011.
  30. ^ "Evacuations underway on Oregon Coast after Tsunami Warning", KGW television website (accessed 11 March 2011 @ 0659)
  31. ^ "Tsunami arrival estimates for Pacific Islands". Radio New Zealand International. 11 March 2011.
  32. ^ "PWTC Tsunami messags". Weather.gov. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
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  34. ^ "平成23年（2011年）東北地方太平洋沖地震（東日本大震災）について（第162報）（令和4年3月8日）" [Press release no. 162 of the 2011 Tohuku earthquake] (PDF). 総務省消防庁災害対策本部 [Fire and Disaster Management Agency]. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-08-27. Retrieved 2022-09-23. Page 31 of the PDF file.
  35. ^ Shinde, Jayesh (11 March 2011). "Google Person Finder for Japan Earthquake/Tsunami launched". PC World. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  36. ^ "Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake". (English)
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  38. ^ Japan earthquake causes oil refinery inferno Daily Telegraph, London, 11 March 2011
  39. ^ a b "Japanese authorities order precautionary evacuation near nuclear plant". CNN. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  40. ^ a b c "Japan declares 'nuclear emergency' after quake". Guardian. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  41. ^ a b c "Fears of massive death toll as ten-metre tall tsunami races across Pacific after sixth largest earthquake in history hits Japan". Daily Mail. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  42. ^ "Chunghwa Telecom: "Some Damage" To Undersea Cable Near Kita After Japan Quake". Wallstreet Journal. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  43. ^ Reuters 10:05AM GMT 11 Mar 2011 Comments. "Japan earthquake: market reaction". Telegraph. Retrieved 2011-03-11. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  44. ^ "Erdbeben Japan: Riesige Flutwelle spült Trümmer übers Land". Zeit Online (in German). March 11 2011. Retrieved March 11 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  45. ^ a b c Christopher Anstey (11 March 2011). "Kan Mobilizes Forces, BOJ Pledges Liquidity After Quake".
  46. ^ a b Nikkei Inc. (11 March 2011). "Govt Takes Emergency Steps, Kan Asks People To Stay Calm". Nikkei.com.
  47. ^ "Australia stands ready to help: Swan". Sydney Morning Herald. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  48. ^ Ottawa monitors B.C. coast, PM offers condolences to Japan
  49. ^ "BBC News, 11 March 2011". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  50. ^ "BBC News, 11 March 2011". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  51. ^ "China Offers Japan Support for Quake Relief". Wallstreet Journal. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  52. ^ "Pacific Rim Awaits Tsunami after Japan Earthquake". Spiegel Online. Hamburg, Germany: SPIEGEL-Verlag. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  53. ^ "President pledges assistance to help Japan recover from quake". Yonhapnews Online. Seoul, Korea: Yonhapnews Online. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  54. ^ "Obama, Sarkozy offer condolences and aid". The Strait Times. Singapore: Singapore Press Holding. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  55. ^ "AP News, 11 March 2011". Hosted.ap.org. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  56. ^ The President expresses the condolences of himself the government and the people to Japan on the severe earthquake taken place in that country.
  57. ^ "PM Abhisit stated in his condolence message to Japanese PM". Media.thaigov.go.th. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  58. ^ "Obama offers to assist earthquake-stricken Japan - Yahoo! News". News.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
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