JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE 2011
KOBE, JAPAN : MARCH 11, 2011 (IZZY,SARAH,REGINA & VERONICA)
On the scene of the earthquake
The grounds began to shake, ceilings caved in, buildings collapsed, leaving the Japanese nation in terror. At exactly 2:46 PM, the epicenter started the quake. The mighty waves barreled towards Japan, striking a 9.0 magnitude at 5:45 PM. The disaster began on the east coast of Honshu later traveling midland towards Kobe and Tokyo. 15,703 people were killed, 5,114 were left injured, and 130,256 went missing. Not only did the people suffer, but as did the surroundings. 332,395 buildings, 2,126 roads, 56 bridges, and 26 railroads were destroyed.
AREAS AFFECTED
1.5 million people were without running or drinking water. Some 99 products including milk and vegetables, had been found to be contaminated with radiation. Many supermarket shelves were empty, so people had to share their foods like noodles, rice balls and rice crackers.
ENERGY
2 million people were without electricity, and radiation levels were 10 million times higher than normal. More than 4 million buildings were without power from the powerful shakes.
ABIOTIC FACTORS
Things such as cars, buildings and offices were destroyed from tectonic waves as well as numerous aftershocks. Not only was transportation, homes, and jobs diminished, but the available water was contaminated by radiation as well.
BIOTIC FACTORS
In the effect of the earthquake, numerous trees, animals, humans and even ecosystems were destroyed by the tectonic movement. (in the paragraph above... death tolls are listed)
HUMANS
15,500 people lost their lives, 40,000 were injured, 10,000 went missing while the rest of the 180,000 lost their homes. Humans in the area took just about two years to get up to an 80% production rate...still not fully recovered.
GRAPHICS & MAPS OF THE DAMAGES
map/location
As you can see above, Japan's eastern coastline was struck severely from the earthquake's origin.
ecosystem destruction
Above is a picture of the houses after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake.
ecosystem destruction
Above shows a picture of the roadway in Kobe, Japan split in half.