The 2011 earthquake off the coast of Japan was one of the biggest ever recorded at 9.0 on the Richter scale, triggering a devastating tsunami that left thousands dead or missing and hundreds of thousands homeless in northeast Japan. Several older nuclear power plants suffered explosions and radioactive leaks as safety systems failed in the aftermath, forcing workers to battle for weeks to bring the situation under control and detect radioactive material. The combined cost of the earthquake and tsunami is estimated at over $300 billion, making it the world's most expensive natural disaster on record and causing global economic repercussions due to Japan's important role in the world economy.

1. Japan Earthquake,
Tsunami and Nuclear
Crisis
•The earthquake off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011 was one of
the biggest recorded, measuring 9 on the richter scale.

2. • It was the resulting tsunami, however, that caused the
most destruction. It devastated the northeast of Japan,
leaving many thousands dead or missing, and hundreds
of thousands homeless or evacuated from the area.
•In addition, various power generators failed. Some older nuclear power
stations risked meltdown and suffered explosions and radioactive leaks.
Workers have battled for weeks to try and bring the situation under
control. Radioactive material has been detected in various places.

3. • It is thought that the cost of the earthquake and
tsunami could be over $300 billion — the world’s
most expensive natural disaster on record.

5. There are global
economic repercussions
as well, given Japan’s
key position in the world
economy.