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Fukushima accident: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident ā€¢ Fukushima nuclear accident
Date 2011
Location Fukushima ā€¢ Japan ā€¢ Miyagi ā€¢ Sendai
Context Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011

Did You Know?

  • The resultant earthquake was the largest in Japan's history.
  • Tsunami waves after the earthquake were up to 30 feet high.
  • 14,000 times more cesium 137 was released from the Fukushima accident than the Hiroshima atomic bombing.

Photos

damage at Fukushima Daiichi power plant
Fukushima accident
Map of Japan's northeastern coast showing evacuation zones around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant following the 2011 accident. The map highlights the initial 20-kilometer exclusion zone as a red circle and uses color shading to indicate difficult-to-return zones, restricted residence zones, evacuation order cancellation preparation zones, and areas where evacuation orders have been lifted. An inset map shows the location within Japan.
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