As a result of an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale and a subsequent tsunami, a nuclear disaster occurred at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. Three operational reactors were shut down. However, the cooling pumps did not work because the emergency power supply was damaged. A series of accidents followed in the reactors (meltdowns, explosions, and fire). The entire area was evacuated and remains uninhabitable to this day.

In total, 19,009 people died and an estimated 16,000 - 19,000 animals as a result of the earthquake.