The Tsunami and Earthquake in Miyagi prefecture and Sanriku 2011–2012: an overview

Abstract

Due to its geographical location and geology, Japan is a country susceptible to a large number of weather-related events and destructive forces such as typhoons and tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The Tohoku Region has six prefectures including Iwate and Miyagi, having the latter a surface area of 7,285 km2 with varied topography with mountainous areas and the Sanriku coastline with rich aquatic/marine and land ecosystems. As well as important economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, manufacturing, food processing and tourism amongst others. In March, 2011 the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami occurred with enormous environmental, economic and societal impacts heavily impacting the coastline as well as the economic and social milieu as cities and towns, industrial and agricultural facilities, farms, fishing grounds, ports, schools, hospitals, roads, and infrastructure in general were either severely damaged or washed away completely. In a period of 2 year since large efforts have been made by the local and central government as well as the society to start restoring the damage. Although far from being exhaustive, the present paper provides an overall view of the situation towards restoration during this period in key sectors such as Agriculture and Forestry, Environment, Fisheries, and Urban Areas, including Debris Management in Miyagi prefecture and the Sanriku coastline.