Today’s history: On this day in 2011, a catastrophic tsunami wreaked havoc in Japan, more than 15,000 people were killed

On this day in 2011, an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale occurred 70 kilometers from Oshika, Japan’s eastern peninsula. The epicenter of the earthquake was at a depth of 24 km. Such a strong earthquake shook Northeast Japan.

About 20 minutes later, tsunami waves hit Hokkaido in the north and Okinawa islands in the south, causing widespread devastation. During this more than 15,000 people died. According to the National Police Agency, more than 2,000 people are still on the missing list.

After this, huge tsunami waves hit the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. When salt water entered the nuclear plant, the reactors began to melt and explode. A huge amount of radioactive elements started leaking from the plant and nuclear radiation started. After this, Japan closed all its nuclear power stations for three years.

Launch of ‘Jalusha’ 73 years ago
In 1948, the country’s first modern ship ‘Jalusha’ was launched in Visakhapatnam. Scindia Steam Navigation Company Limited was formed in 1941 by Seth Walchand Hirachand. It is known today as Hindustan Shipyard Limited.

The foundation stone for the shipyard was laid on 21 June 1941 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of Congress. The first ship built entirely in India after independence was built at the Scindia Shipyard. Her name was named ‘Jalusha’. It was launched on 11 March 1948 in the presence of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.

The major events of March 11 in Indian and world history are as follows-

2008ः 26 killed in two suicide blasts in Lahore, Pakistan.

2008ः US space agency NASA’s Endeavor flew towards the space station.

2007ः Sunita completed the 2,012 km journey from Kolkata to Wagah by driving in reverse gear.

2006ः The Greek Parliament passed a law allowing cremation with a majority.

2004ः 190 dead, 1200 injured in bombings at three railway stations in Spain.

2001ः Pullela Gopichand became the world champion in badminton.

1999ः Infosys became the first Indian company to be listed on the Nasdaq International Stock Exchange.

1990ः Lithuania declared independence.

1985ः Mikhail Gorbachev, the last president of the Soviet Union, became the Supreme Leader of the Soviet Union.

1918ः Moscow became the capital of Russia.

1689ः Aurangzeb killed Shivaji’s son Sambhaji.

1399ः After wreaking havoc in North India including Delhi, Timur Lang crossed the Indus River.