Tsunami-battered Fukushima Reborn after Five Year

Natori city in Miyagi prefecture on March 11, 2011 (top) and February 15, 2016 (bottom)

The tsunami-devastated Fukushima in Japan is seen in a series of “before and after” photos that show the sharp contrast and transformation of the region. The combination pictures, taken on both April 5, 2011, and February 16, 2016, highlight the coming back to life of Fukushima after five years. Of course, a full recovery of the area affected by the tsunami will take decades.

Rikuzentakata city in Iwate prefecture on April 5, 2011 (L) and February 16, 2016 (R)

The photos are released by Kyodo on February 26, 2016, ahead of the five-year anniversary of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. 

Natori city in in Miyagi prefecture on March 11, 2011 (top) and February 15, 2016 (bottom)

Naraha town, near the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, in Fukushima prefecture, on February 26, 2012 (top) and February 12, 2016 (bottom)