Aonae, Okushiri Island, looking southeast. Structures in the foreground were damaged by fires fueled by above-ground kerosene and propane tanks following the tsunami. The concrete steps provided a means of escape for some residents following the strong earthquake. The steps were originally installed for residents to easily walk between the housing area on the bluff (not visible) and the community area near the sea. Many residents remembered the May, 1983, earthquake and tsunami and used this previous experience to escape the deadly tsunami waves in 1993, using the steps as the fastest way to safety. Without this previous knowledge, the casualty count would probably have been much higher.

Image Credit: Commander Dennis J. Sigrist. International Tsunami Information Center