Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster

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The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster occurred on March 11, 2011, following a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan. The tsunami waves, reaching up to 15 meters, overwhelmed the nuclear power plant's defenses, causing widespread damage to its operational and safety infrastructure. This led to the loss of power and cooling functions in reactors 1, 2, and 3, resulting in core meltdowns and significant radioactive releases. The accident was categorized as a Level 7 event on the International Nuclear Event Scale, making it one of the most severe nuclear incidents in history. Despite no immediate radiation-related deaths, over 100,000 people were evacuated, and there were long-term health and social impacts. The disaster highlighted the need for robust safety measures against natural hazards and led to significant international efforts to improve nuclear safety standards and emergency preparedness.