Disaster Relic: The Second Matsuribe Ohashi Bridge

Overview

The Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake, which struck on June 14, 2008, was a major earthquake registering a magnitude of 7.2 and a maximum seismic intensity of 6+. The quake caused widespread damage in Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures, resulting in the collapse of numerous houses and the severance of roads. Among the hardest hit was the Matsuribe Ohashi Bridge in Ichinoseki City's Oumi district. Ground displacement caused the bridge's piers to buckle and a section of the bridge collapsed, rendering it impassable. This former Matsuribe Ohashi Bridge has been preserved as a disaster relic, a testament to the immense power of the earthquake. Driving along National Route 342, you can see the bent bridge from the roadside. You can get close to the bridge and observe the twisted remains up close. Informative signs near the bridge detail the earthquake's damage, serving as a stark reminder of its destructive force. Near the former Matsuribe Ohashi Bridge, you can also see sections of road damaged by the earthquake and observe ground displacement. The sunken roads and severely shifted earth are further evidence of the earthquake's immense power. This disaster relic serves as a crucial reminder of the devastating potential of earthquakes, helping to raise awareness of disaster preparedness. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis in recent years, enhancing disaster preparedness is paramount. A visit to this site fosters a deeper understanding of the earthquake's impact and encourages a greater commitment to disaster preparedness.