USAID-DCHA Japan EQ and Tsunami Fact Sheet #17

The epicenter was located approximately 80 miles northeast of Tokyo, at a depth of 20 miles. The disaster resulted in a significant tsunami that struck the eastern coast of Japan, particularly in Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate prefectures. The tsunami caused widespread destruction and loss of life, with an estimated 14,000 deaths reported. The disaster also led to a nuclear emergency at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, which was severely damaged by the tsunami. The Japanese government declared a state of emergency and activated a disaster response team to coordinate relief efforts. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Defense (DoD) provided humanitarian assistance to Japan in response to the disaster. USAID/OFDA provided $7,004,028 in assistance, including funding for USAR operations, administrative support, and other activities. The DoD provided $88,451,000 in emergency relief support. The Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) played a significant role in the response efforts, deploying over 450 medical teams and providing mental health services to disaster-affected individuals. The JRCS also planned the reconstruction of damaged hospitals. The American Red Cross planned to fund the construction of community centers in areas where temporary housing would be constructed. The Japanese government commenced construction of 70,000 temporary housing units for displaced individuals. The JRCS equipped the homes with a package of electrical appliances valued at approximately $160 million for over 280,000 beneficiaries. The GoJ continues to monitor produce and other food items from northern Japan for radioactivity and has banned rice planting within the 20-km off-limits zone. The GoJ Cabinet Secretariat, in collaboration with U.S. experts and Japanese counterparts, continues to discuss priority issues and needed assistance for the Fukushima Daiichi site. USAID and DoD humanitarian assistance to Japan in FY 2011 totaled $95,455,028.