Damage and Reconstruction at Okushiri Town Caused by the 1993 Hokkaido Nansei-Oki Earthquake Tsunami

The Hokkaido Nansei-Oki Earthquake Tsunami that struck Okushiri Island off western Hokkaido, Japan's northeasternmost island in 1993 killed about 200 in Okushiri Town, which had a population of less than 4,000. Damage totaling over yen 66 billion was a severe blow to the community, which had an annual budget of only yen 5 billion. The tsunami was caught by the island and struck the Aonae district on the southern tip from both the west and east. Based on an experience from tsunami in 10 years earlier, it was thought that a tsunami would arrive more slowly than this one did, which increased the human toll. Fire caused by the tsunami increased losses. Among reconstruction efforts, remarkable are an artificial ground and cordial assistance based on monetary donation.