At 246 pm local on 11 March 2011, a M9.0 earthquake occurred off the east coast of Honshu, Japan. It generated a devastating tsunami that come ashore about 30 minutes after the earthquake. It was the largest magnitude earthquake ever in Japan and the 4th biggest in the world since 1900. The maximum runup measured was 39 m, and in many coastal towns, waves flooded at least to the 3rd or 4th floors of buildings. Over 18000 persons lost their lives - nearly all from the relentless tsunami waves. The JMA issued its 1st tsunami warning within 3 minutes, and continued its danger advisories for over 2 days. This video of photographs (no sound) shows a representative summary of the destruction that occurred, along with the observed maximum wave height and tsunami travel time to the photo locations along the coast. For more information, or additional images, please contact ITIC (itic.tsunami@noaa.gov)
