Tohoku Earthquake (2011)

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The 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, also known as the Great East Japan Earthquake, occurred on March 11, 2011, off the northeastern coast of Japan's Honshu island. It was a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, the largest ever recorded in Japan and one of the most powerful globally. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami with waves reaching up to 40 meters, causing widespread destruction and flooding over 200 square miles of coastal land. The disaster resulted in nearly 20,000 deaths or missing persons, with the majority dying from drowning during the tsunami. The earthquake also led to a severe nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, resulting in significant evacuations and global concerns about nuclear safety. The economic impact was substantial, with estimated losses of over $360 billion, making it the costliest natural disaster in history. The event highlighted Japan's vulnerability despite its advanced disaster preparedness and led to significant changes in global nuclear policies and disaster management strategies. The aftermath involved extensive reconstruction efforts and a reevaluation of tsunami warning systems to mitigate future disasters.