Japan marks 13 years since massive tsunami disaster. A closer look at the Fukushima nuclear plant
Japan is marking 13 years since a massive earthquake and tsunami hit the country’s northern coasts, killing nearly 20,000 people, wiping out whole towns and destroying the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant
TOKYO (AP) — Japan on Monday marked 13 years since a massive earthquake and tsunami hit the country’s northern coasts. Nearly 20,000 people died, whole towns were wiped out and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was destroyed, creating deep fears of radiation that linger today. As the nation observes the anniversary, AP explains what is happening now at the plant and in neighboring areas.
A magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck on March 11, 2011, causing a tsunami that battered northern coastal towns in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures. The tsunami, which topped 15 meters (50 feet) in some areas, also slammed into the nuclear plant, destroying its power supply and fuel cooling systems, and causing meltdowns at reactors No. 1, 2 and 3.
Hydrogen explosions caused massive radiation leaks and contamination in the area.
