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My 39 Pics Of The Ruins Of Fukushima 8 Years After The Nuclear Disaster
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My 39 Pics Of The Ruins Of Fukushima After The Nuclear Disaster And Tsunami

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We all know the story about the Fukushima nuclear accident. The earthquake on 11th March 2011 caused a massive tsunami (with 10 meters high waves) that crippled the cooling systems at the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s nuclear plant in Fukushima. It also led to hydrogen explosions and reactor meltdowns that forced evacuations of those living within a 20km radius of the plant due to high radiation levels.

More info: deadinside.eu | Instagram | Facebook

Empty streets

The cities that suffered the most in were those in the immediate danger zone – Natori, Ishinomaki, Kamaishi, Unfunato, Miyako, Minamisanriku, Kesennuma, and Rikuzentakata. These places were almost level with the ground. Hachinohe and Sendai suffered less but still, the tsunami has caused some serious damage to them. Over 15.5 thousand people were killed. Over 5,000 is still considered missing. Half a million have lost their homes, and 400,000 evacuated.

Half breaking roof at the house

I’m an urban explorer and photographer, so going to the exclusion zone was one of my biggest dreams, which came true in March 2018. However, my happiness from being there and taking interesting photos soon turned into overwhelming sadness with every step in the empty streets full of urban decay.

Abandoned Mercedes next to the supermarket

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Enter the red zone – the entrance and the area are secured 24 hours

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At first, we planned to spend 3 days there, but eventually, it was just 2 days. The reason was that we tripped a silent alarm in one place and it was received by a police station. Thankfully, we didn’t have huge problems but we had to finish our visit to Fukushima, for which I was actually relieved.

Elementary school – the sports hall was transformed into an evacuation point

Music class

I love abandoned places but being there was just too traumatic. From the moment you step there, you are surrounded by the depth of the tragedy which happened. It was breaking my soul.

Computers’ class

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This class was on the 1st floor. The line on the wall is a trace of how high the water was

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Wedding center

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House

Laundry

Supermarket

Pachinko – Japanese game room

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Car dealer

Chevrolet Impala

Lincoln

Funeral car

Restaurant

Bookstore

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CD & DVD Shop

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jennifergoldsmith avatar
JenniG
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm always interested in abandoned places, and this one is more recent than the ones we usually see (eg Chernobyl). I was saddened by the wedding center pics, all those beautiful dresses that will never be worn. The shops too, strewn with never-to-be-purchased stock, the lingering air of sudden departure and abandonment. Very interesting piece!

natalias_1 avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Normally I prefer abandoned places which are decayed and nature take it over, here I wanted go there for history and documenting. Thanks for nice words!

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lovetheliz avatar
Liz Karsa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that reactor is still dumping radioactive toxins into the oceans. Way to take care of that, Japan!

call_me_chelle avatar
Chelle Jones
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kept trying to picture the people who once filled these streets. The lives they were leading up until that disastrous moment. There are lunch sacks still hanging on chairs at the school. Just heartbreaking.

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jennifergoldsmith avatar
JenniG
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm always interested in abandoned places, and this one is more recent than the ones we usually see (eg Chernobyl). I was saddened by the wedding center pics, all those beautiful dresses that will never be worn. The shops too, strewn with never-to-be-purchased stock, the lingering air of sudden departure and abandonment. Very interesting piece!

natalias_1 avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Normally I prefer abandoned places which are decayed and nature take it over, here I wanted go there for history and documenting. Thanks for nice words!

Load More Replies...
lovetheliz avatar
Liz Karsa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that reactor is still dumping radioactive toxins into the oceans. Way to take care of that, Japan!

call_me_chelle avatar
Chelle Jones
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kept trying to picture the people who once filled these streets. The lives they were leading up until that disastrous moment. There are lunch sacks still hanging on chairs at the school. Just heartbreaking.

Load More Comments
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