Edition: U.S. / Global

Asia Pacific

Satellite Photos of Japan, Before and After the Quake and Tsunami

Move the slider to compare satellite images, taken by GeoEye/EyeQ, from before and after the disaster.

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant

Japan's largest ongoing threat is at this nuclear power plant. There have been explosions at four of its six reactors and all four have released some radioactive material.

Nov. 15, 2009

before

March 18, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

North of Sendai

This area, which includes Minamisanriku and the Onagawa nuclear plant, was closest to the epicenter of the quake. In Minamisanriku alone, more than 10,000 people are missing.

Nov. 4, 2009

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

Nov. 4, 2009

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

June 25, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

June 25, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

April 4, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

April 4, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

Sendai

Sendai's city center, about 7 miles inland, remained largely intact after the quake, but there was massive damage along the coast. Much of the airport, which is less than a mile from the water, was also destroyed.

Sept. 21, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

Sept. 21, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

April 4, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

Aug. 3, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

April 4, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

April 4, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

April 4, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

April 4, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

April 4, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

Aug. 3, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

Iwaki area

Whole neighborhoods were in ruin and cars and debris were piled high around Iwaki.

Jan. 23, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

Jan. 23, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ

Jan. 23, 2010

before

March 12, 2011

after
GeoEye/EyeQ GeoEye/EyeQ