Soma City, Five-Year Record, March 11, 2011 to March 11, 2016 (Digest of interim report)

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the cooperation and support that Sōma City has received during the past five years. In the disruption that has continued since the earthquake and tsunami, all local residents, including those whose homes and livelihoods were ruined by the disaster, have steadfastly endured inconvenience and anxiety: we have gone forward by focusing our energy on the next step of recovery. In the initial response, for the first two weeks of the emergency, without sleep, many people tirelessly worked around the clock. In particular, I bow my head to those resolute citizens and stalwart city officials. Now, at the pivotal point of the fifth year following the disaster, as a digest version of the interim report, which maybe subject to revision, this publication presents a record of happenings and actions since March 11, 2011. The initial two-week acute phase is covered in detail and, after the chronological account, issues that arose during the subsequent recovery period are abstracted as topics. Among these are radiation, how it was dealt with, and how it is monitored. At this juncture, a new stage in the process of recovery and creation, together with the citizens, we are steering a steady course towards the future. Sōma stands in the ancient land of Ōshū. During seven centuries, the area has weathered many hardships. By facing tomorrow with the same resolve and determination that our ancestors showed, it falls to us to also prove ourselves worthy of the respect of those who inherit this land. Hidekiyo Tachiya, Mayor of Sōma City