On the causes of the great damage from the tsunami of March 11, 2011 on the northeast coast of Honshu Island

The catastrophic effects of the March 11, 2011 tsunami on the most affected parts of the northeastern Honshu coast are considered. An analysis of topographic maps and evidences of paleotsunamis and the tsunamis occurring in historical time and instrumental period clearly show the high probability of tsunami occurrence and the high vulnerability of the territory to them. We concluded that the principal factors of the tsunami’s catastrophic effects were land use and buildings without taking into account the factors indicated. The main features determining coast vulnerability to tsunamis are considered.