In photos: Japan recovers and rebuilds 5 years later

On March 11, 2011 a magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit Japan. The earthquake triggered both a deadly tsunami and a triple meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

Five years later, Japan continues to rebuild and recover from the disaster. The Japanese Red Cross is supporting recovery, through providing psychosocial support, and helping with the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, playgrounds and gymnasiums.

Following the disaster, Canadians were quick to respond, donating about $48 million to support the Red Cross’ efforts. 

Temporary housing
The residents living in the Minamiyanome temporary housing compound are mainly elderly and disabled who were forced to evacuate their homes because of radiation or because their houses had been destroyed. Photo by Hler Gudjonsson IFRC
Toshikatsu Endo
After his home and grocery store were destroyed by the tsunami, Toshikatsu Endo now runs a store in a temporary facility in Hisanohama town, Fukushima. Photo by Hler Gudjonsson, IFRC
Contaminated soil
Contaminated topsoil is still being cleaned up in Fukushima Prefecture. Millions of tons of radioactive earth lie stacked all over the affected area, both in cities and the countryside. Photo by Masaya Noda, Intertelemedia
Midori Shinka
After the meltdown of the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Fukushima, Midori Shinkai was forced to evacuate with her family. Her experiences inspired her to become a Japanese Red Cross volunteer. Photo by: JRCS
Nordic walking
Nordic walking is one of the activities organized by the Japanese Red Cross to support those still affected by the disaster. Photo by: Masaya Noda, Intertelemedia
Radioactive material
Masakazu Shinkai visits his abandoned home in Katsurao village in Fukushima prefecture. He had to leave many belonings behind, including most of his books. Photo by: Masaya Noda, Intertelemedia

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