Onagawa, Miyagi facts for kids
Onagawa (pronounced Oh-nah-gah-wah) is a small town in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It's famous for its fishing industry, which is a very important part of the town's economy. You can reach Onagawa by train using the JR East Ishinomaki Line, which has a station right in the town. Onagawa was unfortunately hit very hard by a huge natural disaster in 2011, called the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
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The 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami
On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake happened off the coast of Japan. This earthquake caused a giant wave, known as a tsunami, to crash into the land. In Onagawa, the tsunami was incredibly powerful. It reached heights of up to 15 meters (about 49 feet), which is taller than a four-story building!
The huge wave traveled about one kilometer (over half a mile) inland from the coast. It completely destroyed the center of Onagawa town. Sadly, more than 1,300 people in Onagawa lost their lives because of this disaster.
Pictures of Tsunami Damage and Rescue Efforts
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Cars washed up on the roofs of buildings: 30 March 2011.
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Rescue team from India searches for survivors in Onagawa.
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View from Onagawa Public Hospital towards higher ground where Onagawa Station had been.
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Evacuees were sent to the Onagawa Public Hospital. Remains of medical equipment there.
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Tsunami damage around Onagawa Station.
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Trains carried 200m from the line by the tsunami.
Getting Around Onagawa
Train Stations
You can travel to and from Onagawa by train. The Ishinomaki Line serves the town.
- Ishinomaki Line: Urashuku - Onagawa
Main Roads
The main road that goes through Onagawa is:
- Route 398
Energy Production
Onagawa is home to three nuclear reactors. These special facilities can produce a lot of electricity, up to 2,174 megawatts. This is enough power for many homes and businesses. When the earthquake hit in 2011, these power plants automatically shut down safely, and there were no accidents. They were not restarted for some time after the event.
Schools in Onagawa
Onagawa has several schools for students of different ages.
High Schools
- Miyagi Onagawa High School is a public high school in the prefecture.
Junior High Schools
- Onagawa Public Junior High School Number 1
- Onagawa Public Junior High School Number 2
Elementary Schools
- Onagawa Public Elementary School Number 1
- Onagawa Public Elementary School Number 2
- After the tsunami badly damaged the town hall, the emergency response office moved to this school to help the community.
- Onagawa Public Elementary School Number 4
See also
In Spanish: Onagawa (Miyagi) para niños
