Disaster Memorial: Namie Town Ukedo Elementary School

Overview

Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, suffered devastating damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, with the tsunami completely submerging the first floor of the school building. However, thanks to the swift judgment of the principal and staff, and the results of regular evacuation drills, all 100+ students were safely evacuated. This miracle underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and the significance of training. Immediately after the earthquake, the principal instructed all students to evacuate, heading towards Ohira Mountain, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the school. However, the massive tsunami struck during the evacuation, instantly submerging the school building. The principal reportedly ensured the safety of all students inside and outside the building before evacuating himself. Following the staff's instructions, the students evacuated toward Ohira Mountain. Though some students were nearly overtaken by the approaching tsunami, the staff remained calm, encouraging and guiding the students to safety. Every single student was successfully evacuated. Preserved as a disaster memorial, Ukedo Elementary School remains in its original state, open to the public. Inside the building, you can see classrooms damaged by the tsunami and signage indicating evacuation routes, providing a stark view of what transpired. Testimonies from former students and staff members are also on display, playing a crucial role in keeping the memories of the disaster alive. Visiting Ukedo Elementary School offers a powerful experience, underscoring the magnitude of the disaster, the resilience of the people, and the strength of their recovery. It's a place to learn from the lessons of this tragedy and carry them forward into the future.