Japan: Tsunami results in misery for millions

Japan: earthquake and tsunami: an aerial view of tsunami damage in Tōhoku, photo Wikipedia   (Click to enlarge)

As we go to press the horrendous tsunami and earthquakes have claimed an estimated 3,000 lives in Japan. The final toll could be tens of thousands.

Millions of people in the affected areas of the north-east are without water, food, electricity or gas. More than 500,000 people have been left homeless.

Across the country many more face blackouts and, far worse, the threat of a nuclear disaster.

Ordinary people around the world will feel tremendous sympathy for those who have suffered such loss.

It is not only the loss of loved ones but of property and possessions too, even any reminder of those who have died.

Now in the aftermath there is a struggle to obtain the basic human requirements, including food and shelter.

Japan is the third largest economy on the planet. But international experiences of natural disasters show that we can have no confidence in the profit-driven capitalist system to efficiently and quickly allocate resources to those in need.

Almost a third of Japan's energy comes from nuclear power. In fact Japan is seen as the cutting edge of technology.

But, as this crisis has exposed, there can be no trust in the safety of nuclear energy production.

The Socialist Party supports the growing demands for an end to the use of nuclear power.

The consequences of the earthquake disaster in Japan

Nuclear power, no way!

Workers hit hard by earthquake and tsunami

Earthquake could leave "tens of thousands" dead and nuclear threat

Japan: Election ends Liberal Democrats' 54-year reign

City of Life and Death

Tsunami:

Chile earthquake: Natural disaster, state catastrophe

One year on... where is the relief?

Big gains for United Socialist Party

Sri Lanka: The struggle for survival and justice goes on

Nuclear power:

Derby Socialist Party: Nuclear power - Is it a safe alternative?

Brighton Socialist Party: Nuclear Power

No to nuclear power - nationalise the environment-unfriendly energy giants

Food:

Them & Us

Climate change and extreme weather

Tragic effect of recession

Energy:

Profit hungry 'Big Oil' backs climate change deniers

The government's fractured energy policy

Our Demands