That Sinking Feeling

The low stone barrier thrown up first is now being topped with huge bags of sand to keep the Pacific off Route 45.

This section is not done yet. In the distance is what is left of the massive seawall that failed to stem the once-in-a-millenium tsunami.

How I got lost. All four directions are Route 38?!

Most of the coastline of North Eastern Japan sank a meter- more or less- on March 11, 2011.
What does that mean? Here is the initial work being done in Rikuzen Takada, Iwate, in preparation for storms and surge tides. This temporary barrier protects Route 45, the coast road.
This trip, I was on roads that were under water from recent rains (the drains don't run downhill any more), or that were literally inches above sea level. I discovered that the beautiful Hirota Penninsula (Takata) became and island during the tsunami, as it has a low spot where it joins the mainland. It was a bit creepy driving through there on the way home this evening, especially as I got lost, and came back onto the main road past a sign that said the bumpy, patched-up bit I had been on was closed!