The 2011 catastrophe refers to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent tsunami that struck on March 11, 2011. This disaster:
-
Continues to have consequences locally and nationally. The earthquake and tsunami caused significant loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and long-term impacts on the environment, economy, and population of Japan. Recovery efforts and radiation concerns from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster continue to affect the region.
-
Encouraged Japan to rethink where it builds its cities and towns. The magnitude of the disaster led to a reevaluation of urban planning, building codes, and disaster preparedness in Japan, promoting the construction of more resilient infrastructure and reconsideration of the location of communities in relation to seismic activity and potential tsunami zones.
The other statements about the event are inaccurate:
- The disaster affected not just a small number of citizens, but thousands of lives were lost, and many more were impacted.
- It was not the first earthquake in Japan’s history; rather, Japan is located in a seismically active region and has experienced numerous earthquakes throughout its history.
Thus, the most accurate points regarding the 2011 catastrophe are its ongoing repercussions and the resultant changes in city planning.