A month after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the resulting tsunamis that hit Japan on 11th March, 2001 (14:46 JST), the death toll continues to rise. The numbers now exceed 13,000 – Japan’s greatest human loss since WWII – and are expected to reach up to 27,000.

The worst hit prefectures include Iwate, Miyagi, Aomori and Fukushima. This region is historically vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis due to the Japan Trench and the geographic characteristics of Ria coastlines.      
 
 
However, the vastness of the damage that spreads over more than 600 kms has made it difficult for information to reach the local level. Relief operations have been also been affected by the numerous aftershocks and the rising concerns over nuclear radiation. The nuclear meltdown in Fukushima has now been classified at the highest severity level (only used once before in the Chernobyl case).

The affected areas were also a key producer of crops and fish for the rest of the country. With the paddy fields and fisheries destroyed, there is a crucial need for immediate livelihood support [especially for the first 3 months] and the development of “cash for work” systems.
 
     
 
 
 

The Great East Japan (Tohoku Kanto) Earthquake and Tsunami of 11th March 2011 A report by International Environment and Disaster Management, Kyoto University

 
 
 
 
 
  http://seedsasia.org/eng/projects-japan.html  
 
   
 
 
Message by Manu Gupta, Chairperson, ADRRN
In light of the March 11 tragedy in Tohoku region of Japan, the ADRRN would like to express its deepest sympathy for the people of Japan.Know More
         
 
 
 
Application of DRR Tools: Sharing Asian Perspective: An ADRRN Initiative
19/05/2010

Manu Gupta, Chairperson, ADRRN elected to the Board of Humanitarian Accountability Partnership
19/05/2010
A rich insight on humanitarian aid, risk reduction and development issues in the Asian region through stories, research papers, books, photo essays and videos.
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