On March 11, 2011, the most powerful earthquake ever known to hit Japan occurred off their Pacific coast. The earthquake triggered massive tsunami waves which travelled inland, causing three nuclear reactors to meltdown.
The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportion–a reported 15,867 dead, 6,109 injured and 2,909 missing. Over 340,000 people were displaced from their homes and the area suffered shortages of food, water, shelter, medicine and fuel.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense (JMOD) immediately mobilized their Self Defense Forces (JSDF) to search for and aid survivors. In their medical relief efforts, they dealt with widespread power outages and serious problems locating and deploying gaseous oxygen in the field to the victims.
To learn more about this story and how they have prepared for future disasters with the help of Essex, click here.