Okushiri, Hokkaido
| Okushiri 奥尻町 | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
 | |
  Okushiri | |
| Coordinates: 42°10′N 139°31′E / 42.167°N 139.517°ECoordinates: 42°10′N 139°31′E / 42.167°N 139.517°E | |
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Hokkaido |
| Prefecture | Hokkaido (Hiyama Subprefecture) |
| District | Okushiri District, Hokkaido |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Ryōji Wada |
| Area | |
| • Total | 142.98 km2 (55.20 sq mi) |
| Population (March 2008) | |
| • Total | 3,442 |
| • Density | 24/km2 (62/sq mi) |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) |
| Symbols | |
| - Tree | Japanese Yew |
| - Flower | Rugosa Rose |
| Address |
806 Okushiri, Okushiri-chō, Okushiri-gun, Hokkaidō 043-1498 |
| Phone number | 01397-2-3111 |
| Website | Okushiri Town |
Okushiri (奥尻町 Okushiri-chō) is a town encompassing all of Okushiri Island, located in Okushiri District, Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaido, 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.
Hiyama Prefectural Natural Park encompasses the entire island and town.
History
On July 12, 1993,[1] the Southwest Hokkaido Open Sea earthquake (北海道南西沖地震) of magnitude 7.8[1] in the Sea of Japan off southwest Hokkaido created a devastating tsunami. This tsunami killed 198.[1] people in the town, despite a tsunami warning system and Seawall, and also caused landslides on the hills above. Another 32 people were 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.
The name Okushiri comes from the Ainu name Ikusyun-shiri. Iku means other side and shiri means island.[2]
Transportation
Okushiri Airport serves the island.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 HIRATA, YUZUKI; MASAKAZU MURAKAMI (Nov 16, 2006). "Island hit by 1993 killer tsunami remains vigilant". Japan Times (The Japan Times Ltd.). Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ↑ "About location and geography of Okushiri-cho". Official Home Page of Okushiri Town. Okushiri Town. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
External links
Media related to Okushiri, Hokkaidō at Wikimedia Commons
- Town website (Japanese)
- Animation of Okushiri tsunami from the Tsunami Research Center at USC