Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2011;2(4):1-2

doi:10.5365/wpsar.year.2011.2.4.013

Preparedness and resilience: the hallmarks of response and recovery

Jacob Kumerasan

Keywords

preparedness and resilience; Great East Japan Earthquake; rehabilitation; response

Country

WHO-WPRO

Language

English

Abstract

The Great East Japan Earthquake struck the north-eastern coast of Honshu on 11 March 2011. With a magnitude of 9.0, it was the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan. It triggered the largest recorded tsunami in Japan which devastated the lifelines, transportation and communication systems in the Tohoku region. The tsunami caused nuclear accidents and meltdowns of three reactors in Fukushima.