Okushiri, Hokkaidō

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Okushiri
奥尻町
Location of Okushiri
Okushiri's location in Hokkaidō (Hiyama), Japan.
Location
Country Japan
Region Hokkaidō
Prefecture Hokkaidō (Hiyama)
District Okushiri
Physical characteristics
Area 142.98 km² (55.20 sq mi)
Population (as of March 2008)
     Total 3,442
     Density 24.5 /km² (63 /sq mi)
Location 42°10′N, 139°31′E
Symbols
Tree Japanese Yew
Flower Rugosa Rose
Symbol of Okushiri
Flag
Okushiri Government Office
Mayor Ryōji Wada
Address 〒043-1498
806 Okushiri, Okushiri-chō, Okushiri-gun, Hokkaidō
Phone number 01397-2-3111
Official website: Okushiri Town

Okushiri (奥尻町 Okushiri-chō?) is a town encompassing all of Okushiri Island, located in Okushiri District, Hiyama, Hokkaidō, Japan.

As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 3,442 and a density of 24.5 persons per km². The total area is 142.98 km².

Contents

[edit] History

On July 12, 1993, the Southwest Hokkaidō Open Sea earthquake (北海道南西沖地震) of magnitude 7.8 in the Sea of Japan off southwest Hokkaidō created a devastating tsunami. This tsunami killed 202 people in the town, despite a tsunami warning system and Seawall, and also caused landslides on the hills above. 32 people went missing, including 3 in Russia and 129 were injured. The subsequent fire burned down much of what remained. The island was reshaped by the tsunami, which was 10 meters high in town. The tsunami struck within five minutes of the earthquake, leaving residents absolutely no warning.

This was probably the world's first tsunami recorded by personal camcorders.[citation needed]

A separate earthquake produced a minor tsunami in 1983 on the island, but with no injuries or deaths.

[edit] Meaning

Okushiri in Japanese means literally "inner (奥) buttocks (尻)." Shir in Ainu means island.

[edit] Transportation

Okushiri Airport serves the island.

[edit] External links

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