Japan Earthquake, Tsunami: Moments of Destruction
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It was Friday, March 11, 2011 when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake rattled off the coast of Japan. The most powerful known earthquake to hit the island nation triggered a series of tsunamis. Buildings shook and toppled. Entire villages were washed away. In telling the story, it was civilians and journalists who picked up their cameras and captured moments that resulted in nearly 20,000 people dead and the most expensive natural disaster in world history.
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| River of Cars |
Surging waters sweep vehicles under a road bridge in Miyagi prefecture, Japan.
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| Disappearing Highway |
Boats and cars are smashed like matchsticks by the tsunami wave in the city of Miyako.
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| Tsunami Strikes |
The powerful tsunami engulfs farms and homes in Sendai, Japan.
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| Danger From Above |
Residents in Miyagi prefecture run as debris falls from buildings.
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| Chaos at Home |
A frightened man captures the 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Miyagi, Japan.
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| Runway Underwater |
This amateur footage captures the moment the wave strikes Sendai Airport.
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| Tsunami Swallows Town |
Raw footage from Japan captures the tsunami hitting a town in Miyagi prefecture.
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| Vanishing Village |
Onlookers scream as the tsunami rips through the town of Minamisanriku.
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| Tsunami Breaches Floodgates |
The tsunami generates a powerful wave that breaches floodgates, washing away a car.
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| Supermarket Shakes |
Amateur video shows the 9.0 magnitude earthquake's effect at a grocery store.
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