Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako pay their respects in front of the altar for the 2011 earthquake and tsunami victims (Behrouz Mehri/AP)Japan marked the 10th anniversary of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that hit its northeastern region, where many survivors’ lives are still on hold. Carrying bouquets, many walked to the coast or visited graves to pray for relatives and friends washed away by the tsunami. More than 18,000 people died, mostly in the tsunami, and nearly half a million people were displaced. Additionally, the government recognised about 3,700 others, majority of them from Fukushima, who died of causes linked to the disaster. Thursday’s ceremony is the last national commemoration for the 2011 disaster organised by the government.

Source: Irish Independent March 11, 2021 10:36 UTC