Surveillance Camera In Japan Captures Devastation Caused By 2011 Tsunami

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After video of the horrific tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 reappeared online, social media users were left frightened.

It's hard to realize that over twelve years have passed since the devastating natural disaster struck the East Asian nation as a result of a ripple effect from an underwater megathrust earthquake in the Pacific Ocean.

Even while the earthquake was short—six minutes, to be exact—it was the strongest to ever be recorded in Japan.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Japan is still recovering from the catastrophic effects of the earthquake since the earthquake caused a tsunami that claimed about 20,000 lives.

@morbidful

Recently, footage from the tsunami was published by the amazing X account @Morbidful, which usually addresses the saddest and most depressing occurrences and stories from human history.

The footage, which was taken by a security camera, captured the same moment the "Great East Japan" tsunami hit.

One car is shown driving slowly along a road before coming to a stop as more wrecked cars and crumbled homes are swept in its direction by a tsunami.

Fortunately, the vehicle is able to turn around and race off in the opposite way.

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Since then, many of users have shared the video again, expressing their awe and dismay at the ocean wave's ability to destroy the earth.

"Whoa that last little car barely made it out of there!" one penned.

"Puts into perspective how enormous and rapid those waves were. People caught in it never stood a chance," another wrote.

A third gushed: "Please everyone! if you are reading this, be thankful for the life that you have. Be really thankful for each moment you live."

The frightening earthquake had a tremendous impact on every part of the world, reaching as far north as the fjords of Norway and as far south as the ice sheet of Antarctica.

Furthermore, since then, tsunami debris has occasionally washed up on beaches across North America.

A decade later, as of November 2021, 1,000 of the approximately 39,000 evacuees who had lost their homes were still residing in temporary accommodation, according to Japan's Reconstruction Agency.

It is estimated that around 120,000 structures were completely destroyed, 278,000 substantially demolished, and 726,000 partially destroyed.

According to the Japanese government, the natural disaster was one of the most disastrous on Earth and caused around $199 billion (or 16.9 trillion yen) in direct financial damage.

Furthermore, it is expected to have an economic cost of up to $235 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster in history.

Seeing that video again is a strong reminder of how tough communities can be after disasters.

It also shows we should keep supporting each other in recovery and stay aware and ready for whatever nature throws at us.