It's been seven years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, which took more than 18,000 lives. While efforts continue to rebuild the lives of survivors shattered by the disasters, we must not let the memory of those tragic events fade away. Instead we must continue to learn from the lessons of 3/11 to better understand how to prepare for, defend against, and recover from future disasters in this quake-prone country.
The events that took place on March 11, 2011 — a mega 9.0 magnitude quake originating 130 km off Miyagi Prefecture that caused a giant tsunami which ravaged coastal communities along a wide stretch of northeastern Honshu — serve as a reminder that a disaster of unprecedented scale can happen at anytime. Since then, the nation has experienced all sorts of natural disasters big and small — and will undoubtedly face more in the future.
Were we prepared enough to defend ourselves against the tsunami on that day? Are we better prepared seven years on? These are the kinds of questions we need to ask as we look back on the events of 3/11.