The 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011 triggered a massive tsunami that caused widespread destruction and loss of life across Japan; the earthquake and tsunami had devastating primary impacts such as damaged infrastructure, loss of power and water supplies, and a tsunami over 24 feet high, as well as secondary impacts including fires, landslides, and an explosion at a nuclear power plant. While the impacts were immense, preparedness measures and policies in Japan helped to minimize loss of life.