1. MEDC Earthquake Case Study: Fukushima, Japan 2011 By Vicki and Ben

2. Background Information. The earthquake occurred on the 11th of March 2011. It measured 9.0 in the Richter scale. It was the largest recorded earthquake ever to hit Japan. An estimated 15,500 people died.

3. Causes. Fukushima lies on a destructive plate boundary. The two plates that caused the earthquake are the Pacific and Eurasian. In Japan, pressure built up and on 11 th March 2011 this pressure was released as a very strong earthquake and a Tsunami with waves of 30 m high, travelling at speeds of 800 Kilometres per hour, which is the same as the ground speed of a jumbo jet.

4. The Tsunami

5. Consequences. 2 Million people’s homes were destroyed as a result of the Tsunami. A dam in the north of Fukushima burst its banks, which caused widespread damage Power lines, gas and water services were severely disrupted, as the earthquake ruptured under-ground cables and pipes. The Public telephone system was knocked out, with no signal for mobile phones and internet.