The total number of people killed or missing in the Meiwa Tsunami (April 24, 1771, M7.4) was 11,861, including 9,313 in the Yaeyama region (of which 8,439 were from Ishigaki Island) and 2,548 in the Miyakojima region. The population of the Yaeyama region before the tsunami was slightly less than 30,000, but after the tsunami it decreased to about 20,000. And about 100 years after the tsunami, in the early Meiji Era, the population decreased further to about 10,000. It is said that the reason for this population decrease may have been due to the deterioration of sanitary conditions in the residential areas caused by the tsunami, as well as the decline in the productivity of farmlands due to seawater (high-salinity) flooding and the deaths of many people from famine, epidemics, and other causes.

Let’s enjoy the scenery around Ishigaki Island through 360-degree photos!

Back to the 16th TARF Open House (Online)

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