This photograph, taken in July, 2011, is of the valley in Minami Sanrikucho, Miyagi, an area hit very hard by the tsunami of March 11, 2011. This section of town had much of the debris already cleared away, with smaller pieces of rubbish remaining.   The picture was taken in the valley at sea level, which had borne much of the brunt of the tsunami.  After clearing away debris, there continued to be much debate as to the best way to rebuild and recover.

For an article discussing some issues related to rebuilding in this town, see this New York Times article from September 12, 2011.

Additional Photos
Photo of cleaned up area of Minami Sanrikucho
Photo of trees damaged by salt water from tsunami
View of Minami Sanriku-cho