The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake occurred on March 11, registering a magnitude of 9.0. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, striking off the northeastern coast of Japan. The quake triggered a massive tsunami, with waves reaching heights of up to 40 meters, devastating coastal communities. The disaster caused widespread destruction, leading to over 18,000 deaths and significant damage to infrastructure. The tsunami also resulted in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, where reactor meltdowns released radioactive materials. Recovery efforts have continued for years, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness and response.