Japan Devastated by 9.1 Earthquake and Tsunami — A Nation Unites in Tragedy and Hope

At dawn on Tuesday, Japan was rocked by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake — the most powerful in over a century — followed by a massive tsunami that tore through the nation’s northeastern coast. Within minutes, entire towns were submerged as ten-meter waves crushed ports, homes, and highways, leaving thousands dead or missing.

The quake, centered off Miyagi Prefecture, sent violent tremors across Tokyo and beyond, collapsing infrastructure and cutting power to millions. “Everything was gone in minutes,” said survivor Keiko Arai. “The water took our home and school — everything.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared a national emergency, deploying over 100,000 troops for rescue missions. “Japan’s strength is its people,” he said. “We will rebuild, and we will not break.”

Global support poured in from the U.S., South Korea, and Australia, as international aid flights rushed food and medical supplies.

Despite the devastation, powerful stories of survival — from teachers saving children to neighbors rescuing each other — are emerging.

From candlelight vigils to waves of volunteers, Japan’s message to the world is clear: “We will rise again.”