jul 5, 2011 - Japanese earthquake

Description:

On 11th March 2011, a 9.0-magnitude quake followed by an overwhelming tsunami hit the east of Japan, killing nearly 16,000 and leaving another 2,600 missing. Tsunami warnings were issued in 50 nations and territories, while emergencies were declared at four nuclear power plants because parts got damaged. Japan’s worst ever earthquake triggering extremely destructive tsunami waves and in some cases travelling up to 10 km (6 mi) inland. The earthquake moved the entire Honshu region 2.4 m (8 ft) east and shifted the Earth on its axis by 10 cm (4 in). The nuclear power plant issue caused a 12 mile evacuation zone to be made. The overall cost exceeded $300 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster on record. Over 125,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, while heavy damage was inflicted on roads and rail routes. 4.4 million households in northeastern Japan were left without electricity and 1.5 million without water. The bank of Japan offered $183 billion to the banking system in an effort to normalise market conditions.