X

Before and after the Japanese tsunami (photos)

Here's a look at Google-supplied satellite imagery comparing sites before and after the tsunami wreaked havoc in Japan.

Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Stephen Shankland
Natori-beforeafter_1.jpg
1 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Yuriagi in Natori

Google supplied new satellite imagery from GeoEye and Digital Globe shortly after Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami. This comparison shows Yuriagi in Natori before (top) and after (bottom).

In this slideshow, the "before" and "after" images have been placed on top of one another for comparison.

Sendai-Arahama-beforeafter_1.jpg
2 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Sendai devastation

The Arahama area of Sendai, a flat area, was swamped by the tsunami. Farmland was inundated and houses demolished.
Fukushima-beforeafter_1.jpg
3 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station is experiencing major cooling problems after the tsunami wiped out primary and backup power to run the cooling systems.
Sendai-2-beforeafter_1.jpg
4 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Sendai devastation

Another scene of devastation in Sendai.
Kamaishi-beforeafter_1.jpg
5 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Kamaishi after the tsunami

Kamaishi was strewn with debris after the tsunami swept through.
Minamisoma-beforeafter_1.jpg
6 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Minamisoma inundated

Low-lying agricultural land in Minamisoma, southwest of the quake's epicenter, was flooded.
Oshika-beforeafter_1.jpg
7 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Ishinomaki destruction

Ishinomaki's industrial area is shown here after the tsunami, with a harbor filled with debris.
Sendai-3-beforeafter_1.jpg
8 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Sendai flooding

Another before-and-after look at Sendai province, perhaps the hardest-hit area in Japan.
Sendai-4-beforeafter_1.jpg
9 of 9 satellite images from GeoEye and Digital Globe via Google Earth; composite by Stephen Shankland/CNET

Obliterated houses near Tagajo

These houses south of Tagajo were obliterated by the tsunami.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos