Footage: A recording of the tsunami striking Ishinomaki city in Miyagi prefecture. Mr. Koichi Abe from Ishinomaki Gas Inc. captured this footage from the rooftop of his office (at that time) located near Ishinomaki fishing port. In the aftermath of the significant earthquake, around 35 individuals, including employees of Ishinomaki Gas, were evacuated to this rooftop at their headquarters. The video commences with scenes of waves surging towards prefectural road #240 from offshore. Initially, the flow appeared calm, but it soon carried a multitude of floating debris as it neared the building, rapidly transforming into a swift current. For a brief moment, the water spills over into the parking lot in front of the building, subsequently sweeping away all vehicles within the area. The cars are tossed about by the waves at the base of the building wall where the evacuees are positioned, colliding with one another like toys. In an instant, the waves rise, and the frothy, murky waters approach the rooftop. Witnessing this unforeseen and dire situation, tense voices are audible all around. The videographer and those nearby ascend to the roof of the rooftop exit, eager to reach higher ground, even if the elevation difference is minimal. The camera is now elevated, turning inland, capturing images of Minato junior high school and Minato Secondary elementary school approximately 500 meters away. Minato junior high school appears blurred against the snowy landscape. A woman expresses her worries for the children attending the school, while another voice commendably attempts to reassure her by stating, “That place will be okay.” The ferocity of the waves does not subside, and even within the large parking structure of the nearby Pachinko shop (21 Seiki Ishinomaki), one can observe the torrents flooding in. Scanning the horizon in all directions, it is evident that the areas surrounding the building have transformed into a sea, isolating it within the deluge. After the tsunami receded, the evacuees endured a night filled with anxiety.
As stated by Ishinomaki Gas, the organization subsequently moved its head office operations to a different location as part of its crisis management strategy. The building where the footage was filmed has since been renovated and is now functioning as the Ishinomaki Gas Myojin office.
