New photographs released of tsunami hitting the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station in Japan
Tepco power station's sea defences seen crumbling as wall of seawater overwhelms facility
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This picture made available by Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) shows the scene on 11 March 2011 as the tsunami washes in on the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station.
Photograph: EPA
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The power station's sea defences were not able to withstand the huge waves that struck the coast in Fukushima prefecture.
Photograph: EPA
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The defence walls crumble as the huge wave washes in.
Photograph: EPA
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Waves surge around storage tanks at the Fukushima nuclear plant, flinging cars around like toys.
Photograph: AP
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Cars bob around as in-rushing seawater batters the radioactive waste treatment facility at the nuclear power station.
Photograph: EPA
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Most of the cars disappear as the waters rise higher – just one can be seen, standing vertically on its nose.
Photograph: Tepco/AFP/Getty Images
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Building panels warp and detach as the water reaches its highest point.
Photograph: Tepco/AFP/Getty Images
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The extent of the damage can be glimpsed as the water recedes.
Photograph: Tepco/AFP/Getty Images
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Doors and walls of the nuclear power plant's buildings are battered and fractured after the tsunami struck – as are pipes, tanks and other superstructure.
Photograph: Reuters
