Tõhoku earthquake and tsunami
On the 11 March 2011 a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Japan unleashing a tsunami, measuring over 20 meters in some areas. South African disaster response team, Rescue South Africa, travelled to the distressed Asian country to assist with rescue and recovery operations.
Despite freezing temperatures, aftershocks and the threat of radiation the Rescue South Africa team searched meticulously through kilometres of debris strewn across villages and towns in Miyagi prefecture on Japan’s North East coast.
A man cycles through the flattened landscape of Natori.
The Rescue South Africa team unpack supplies as they prepare to assist the Japanese with search and rescue efforts.
A house lies on its roof a few days after the tsunami ripped through Natori.
A member of the Rescue South Africa team leans on his spade for a moment whilst searching through the rubble around Sendai Airport.
The Rescue South Africa team carry the body of a man that had been trapped in a car wrapped around a pylon in Tagajyo City.
A Japanese woman hugs a packet of food to her chest after a church group from Tokyo travelled to Tagajyo City, almost 8 hours away, to help people whose houses had been destroyed by the tsunami.
A boat rests amongst cars and houses after the tsunami left most of Natori underwater.
Carrying an inflatable boat, two members of the South African team change position to continue their search in Natori.
People join a queue for food and supplies in Tagajyo City.
A car lies underwater in a canal surrounded by debris in Tagajyo City.