Hokkaido celebrates the 30th anniversary of a powerful earthquake

[ad_1]

Residents of Okushiri Island in northern Japan come together to commemorate the victims of the powerful earthquake that struck the area 30 years ago.

On July 12, 1993, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in the waters southwest of Hokkaido Prefecture. The earthquake triggered a series of disasters, including tsunamis, fires, and landslides, leaving 230 people dead or missing in Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures.

Okushiri Island in Hokkaido bore the brunt of the devastation. Tsunami waves that reached heights of up to 29 meters hit the island, leaving 198 dead or missing.

On Wednesday, people visited a memorial grave in the island’s Aonae district to offer flowers and pay homage to the victims.

Floating lanterns will be released on Wednesday evening around Okushiri Island.

[ad_2]