Noto Peninsula Earthquake Damage Sites and Chronology
Controversy Over Nuclear Plant Restart Amid Fukushima Memorial Atmosphere
In Japan, marking the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, various events were held nationwide to honor the victims. This year, especially, a spirit of solidarity and healing was fostered among the affected regions, coinciding with the Noto Peninsula earthquake that caused significant damage in January.
On the 11th, NHK reported that memorial services were held across the country at 2:46 p.m., the exact time the Great East Japan Earthquake struck. The earthquake, measuring magnitude 9.0, occurred on March 11, 2011, off the coast of Tohoku (northeastern region). At that time, a tsunami over 10 meters high caused numerous casualties, and a meltdown occurred at three reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, releasing a large amount of radioactive material.
According to the National Police Agency, as of the 1st of this month, 15,900 people died and 2,520 remain missing due to the earthquake and tsunami damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Additionally, 3,802 people have been recognized as 'disaster-related deaths' due to deteriorating health during evacuation, bringing the total number of deaths and missing persons related to the earthquake to 22,222. Furthermore, the Reconstruction Agency estimates that 29,328 people are still displaced and have not returned to their hometowns.
On this 13th anniversary, waves of remembrance continued nationwide. In Wakabayashi, Sendai City, which was directly hit by the tsunami, bereaved families visited breakwaters and memorial monuments by the sea from early dawn to pray for the souls of the victims.
Mr. Hayashi Toshihiko, a man in his 60s, told NHK in an interview, "I was away from home on business on the day of the earthquake, so I survived, but I lost five family members including my wife, parents, older brother, and nephew to the tsunami." He added, "For 13 years, I have never missed visiting this place on the anniversary to pray." Regarding the Noto Peninsula earthquake, he emphasized, "As long as you are alive, people around you will reach out their hands, and you can move forward," urging people not to lose hope.
Especially this year, many events took the form of solidarity between the Great East Japan Earthquake affected areas and the regions hit by the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January. At a high school in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, where the tsunami reached up to the fourth floor of buildings during the Great East Japan Earthquake, gratitude was expressed for the support that poured in from all over the country at that time, and a city-wide lighting event was held to honor the victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
Also, citizens of Miyagi Prefecture, who suffered damage such as their homes being completely destroyed by the tsunami, brought food trucks to evacuation centers in Ishikawa Prefecture, part of the Noto Peninsula, to personally provide food and volunteer in support of those affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
Japanese media focused on the scars left by the Great East Japan Earthquake. NHK reported that although road and seawall repairs have almost been completed in the heavily affected prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima, severe population decline is ongoing. In Fukushima, where the nuclear accident occurred, seven zones are still designated as difficult-to-return areas.
Residents of Miyagi Prefecture, affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, are volunteering meal services in the Noto Peninsula earthquake area. (Photo by NHK)
Meanwhile, despite the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, controversy has arisen over the recent decision to restart a nuclear power plant affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant, which was flooded underground by the tsunami and had cracks in its building walls leading to a suspension of operations, is scheduled to restart in September this year. If the plan proceeds as scheduled, it will be the first nuclear power plant to resume operation in the Tohoku region since the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Reconstruction Minister Tsuchiya Shinako stated in a TV discussion related to the Great East Japan Earthquake the day before, "While infrastructure repairs in the affected areas are nearly complete, unresolved mental health issues and the loss of community remain major challenges," adding, "We will continue to provide long-term support going forward."
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