On Friday 11 March 2011, an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter Scale occurred off the north-east coast of Japan, triggering a ten-metre tsunami. A nuclear emergency was declared following explosions at various nuclear plants in the Fukushima area. Abnormally high levels of radioactive substances were later detected in seawater 100 metres from the plant. Correct on February 2014, the disaster caused 15 889 fatalities. Another 6 152 were injured, and 2 601 missing. Evacuations totalled 267 000.
Due to radiation concerns, Japan halted some food shipments including the suspension of milk and certain vegetables from regions around the plant, following the identification of abnormal radiation levels in the products.
The Australian Government assisted in recovery by providing $10 million to Red Cross Japan and also the Pacific Disaster Appeal. A transport aircraft were also deployed along with search and rescue teams to assist with the relief and recovery. There were 1964 registered Australians in Japan at the time of the earthquake, with 229 Australians registered in the affected areas.
The event caused extensive damage, with the greatest impact in Sendai city, and the Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures. The World Bank estimated the disaster could cost the world's third-biggest economy up to $235 billion.
Notable aftershocks:
- 28 March 2011 – At 7.24 am local time, aftershocks were identified measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale with the epicentre at a depth of 17 kilometres.
- 7 April 2011 – Three people were killed by a tremor measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, 25 miles deep in north-east Japan. Two power plants were knocked offline, cutting power for four million people.
- 11 April 2011 – Workers evacuated the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant following a tremor in the Fukushima prefecture that measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre depth of ten kilometres. The event triggered a brief tsunami warning.