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On March 11, 2011 after a magnitude 8 earthquake, Japan was hit by a tsunami.
A tsunami creates waves of ocean water so large that it can engulf massive amount of acres of land at a time. When the ocean water washes ashore and infiltrates Japan's drinking water, the safe water becomes contaminated with microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites) and other chemicals that can cause serious health issues. Since salt water has a displeasing taste to it, most people who drink never swallow large amounts of the water. However, microorganisms spread by the flood are usually tasteless meaning that the Japanese could unknowingly be drinking them. If water containing microorganisms is ingested, even in small amounts, it may cause immediate, life-threatening health problems. Using contaminated water to clean small cuts and open wounds also poses a danger of serious infections. NUMBER OF DEATHS: 12,431 people were confirmed dead, 15,153 were missing. HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY: A total of 164,059 households , (Tohoku Electric Power Co) HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT WATER: At least 170,000 households in eight prefectures (Health Ministry). BUILDINGS DAMAGED: At least 46,027 buildings have been destroyed, washed away or burnt down (the National Police Agency of Japan) IMPACT ON ECONOMY: The government has estimated damage from the earthquake and tsunami at 16-25 trillion yen ($300 billion). The top estimate would make it the world's costliest natural disaster. |
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