The Primary Effects of the Asian Tsunami

Flooding

The tsunami swept up to six miles inland, with heights up to 30 to 100 feet. It swept boats, houses, cars, trains and bridges in its path. People in high-rise buildings over one-half mile inland evacuated up to the fourth floor. Waves up to 3 feet high flooded beaches on Hawaii and reached the west coast of Canada. Minor waves reached the Philippines, Kuril Islands and Taiwan. In California, 6-foot waves damaged boats and docks in Crescent City and Santa Cruz. The recreation port of Brookings-Harbor, Oregon was destroyed. Waves up to 6 feet high also reached the coast of Chile.

Immediately after the tsunami, over a thousand people were reported dead. After the waves receded, more bodies were found. Japan's National Police Agency reported on April 20, 2011 that over 14,000 people were killed and almost the same number missing. Over half a million people were homeless. Hundreds of thousands of people living within 12 miles of a damaged nuclear reactor were evacuated within the next few days due to radiation leaks from damaged nuclear power plants.

Minami, Natori and several other towns in Iwate, Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures were largely or entirely destroyed. Even though Japan is prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis, the March 11, 2011 tsunami destroyed over 125,000 buildings. Estimated damages run into tens of billions of dollars. The areas most affected include farmland, fishing villages and auto manufacturing plants. Farmers have been told not to harvest or plant crops because of fears of radiation contamination from damaged nuclear power plants. Some farmers and fishermen have lost their livelihood forever.

The tsunami destroyed roads, rail lines, ports and power plants. Over 2 million households lost electricity and at least 1 million had no running water. Damage to nuclear power plants permanently destroyed 3 percent of Japan's total power supply, causing rolling blackouts as far away as the capital city of Tokyo. Damage to roads was localized to 4 percent of Japan's geographical area. At least six of Japan's seaports were damaged, including the largest northeast port in Sendai. The infrastructure damage continued to affect auto manufacturing and other exports one month later.

The tsunami reached Japan's northeast coast within 10 to 30 minutes after the earthquake. One hour after the quake, the tsunami flooded the Sendai airport. Closer to Tokyo, Narita and Haneda airports suspended operations but reopened within 24 hours. Trains were washed away and rail lines were damaged. Rail service was disrupted across the country, leaving people stranded even in areas not directly affected by the tsunami. Telephone service was disrupted, making it difficult to assess damage or contact people in Sendai and other affected centers.