CRISIS IN JAPANOn March 11th 2011 an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale hit the north east of Japan. This is said to have been the 7th strongest earthquake ever recorded to hit anywhere in the world.

CRISIS IN JAPANThe earthquake had it’s epicentre in the sea of Kesennuma and it affected the tectonic plates that triggered an enormous tsunami with waves as high as 23 feet

CRISIS IN JAPANThe earthquake and tsunami wiped out towns and villages as it crushed anything that came in its way. The loss of life is a tragedy with more than 14,000 dead and 13,000 missing.

CRISIS IN JAPANThe earthquake and the tsunami caused a lot of damage in Japan leaving over 430,000 homeless. Roads have been destroyed, cars swept together with boats across land seas surrounding buildings. People going up to the highest places to avoid the oncoming tsunami from reaching them.

CRISIS IN JAPANMany factories had to close down, a number of seaports and airports were inaccessible as the tsunami left significant damage on the infrastructure.

CRISIS IN JAPANThe earthquake and tsunami affected Fukushima’s nuclear power plant and two of the nuclear reactors exploded, the cooling down system failed.

These are the reactors that melted in Japan nuclear plant.

Nuclear Plant

CRISIS IN JAPANFukushima’s nuclear power plant – before and after. The Japanese people and the government were worried that a melt down could occur to the reactor.

Before Explosion After Explosion

CRISIS IN JAPAN

Because of the explosion that occurred in Fukushima’s nuclear power plant, traces of radiation were found in milk, spinach and artichokes. People risk cancer by this radiation.

This affects

People and food

&

CRISIS IN JAPANThe most worrying thing was that water supplies were also contaminated and tap water was no longer fit for drinking. Parents were cautioned not to give tap water to their babies.

CRISIS IN JAPANThe estimates of the government of Japan to restore the country back to normality after the earthquake and tsunami that hit it in March reached between USD250 and USD300 billion and this will take more than t

CRISIS IN JAPANIn the meantime, thousands of people living in tiny villages on the coast of Japan have gathered together under the remaining unaffected homes. The tragedy that happened seems to get the best out of people as they find solidarity in one another’s help. Each village has turned into one large family that shares food, clothing and shelter.

CRISIS IN JAPANThe final toll is expected to reach nearly 20,000 dead. More than 130,000 people remained housed in temporary shelters; tens of thousands of others evacuated their homes due to the nuclear crisis.

CRISIS IN JAPANAccording to the World Bank, Japan needs at least five years to rebuild the damaged infrastructure. Others say that this could take up to ten years.

CRISIS IN JAPANThe rebuilding of Japan is going to be a very difficult task. With an estimated cost of over USD 300 billion, this is going to affect Japan in a big way because it is presently in a bad financial state of affairs. Japan has huge debts to pay.

CRISIS IN JAPANInternational relief agencies have launched a variety of ways since March 11 for people make donations to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. In Malta, many are raising funds to help Japan. For example, staff and students at EC Malta joined forces to raise funds and show solidarity for the Japanese people in the wake of the recent tragic disaster to hit the country.