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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 8 Years After The Nuclear Disaster

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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

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    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

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    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.

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    Abandoned Mercedes next to the supermarket

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

    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

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    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.

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    Computers’ class

    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

    House

    Laundry

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    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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    Natalia

    Natalia

    Author, Community member

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    My name is Natalia Sobanska and I love to visit abandoned places. This profile was created to show that abandoned places aren’t only ugly ruins, but a different kind of beauty. I am already addicted to the decay, so I can’t be subjective, judge for yourself. https://www.instagram.com/deadinside_eu/

    Read less »
    Natalia

    Natalia

    Author, Community member

    My name is Natalia Sobanska and I love to visit abandoned places. This profile was created to show that abandoned places aren’t only ugly ruins, but a different kind of beauty. I am already addicted to the decay, so I can’t be subjective, judge for yourself. https://www.instagram.com/deadinside_eu/

    Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

    Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Vėjūnė is a community manager who helps artists all over the world introduce their artwork to Bored Panda readers and in that way, become more popular. Since she was always fascinated by the art world, she studied Culture Management and Cultural Policy at Vilnius Academy of Arts where she expanded her knowledge about it. Now she's using all this knowledge to showcase its beauty and help others dive into the fascinating world of art.

    Read less »

    Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

    Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

    Author, Community member

    Vėjūnė is a community manager who helps artists all over the world introduce their artwork to Bored Panda readers and in that way, become more popular. Since she was always fascinated by the art world, she studied Culture Management and Cultural Policy at Vilnius Academy of Arts where she expanded her knowledge about it. Now she's using all this knowledge to showcase its beauty and help others dive into the fascinating world of art.

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    JenniG
    Community Member
    5 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!

    Community Member
    5 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...
    Liz Karsa
    Community Member
    5 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!

    Chelle Jones
    Community Member
    5 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
    JenniG
    Community Member
    5 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!

    Community Member
    5 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...
    Liz Karsa
    Community Member
    5 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!

    Chelle Jones
    Community Member
    5 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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