This footage captures the tsunami striking Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, filmed by Koichi Abe of Ishinomaki Gas Inc. from the rooftop of his office near Ishinomaki fishing port. After the earthquake, about 35 people, including company employees, evacuated to the rooftop.
The video begins as waves approach quietly from offshore near Prefectural Road #240, already carrying large amounts of debris. Within moments, the water surges into a powerful current, flooding the parking lot below and sweeping away every car. Vehicles are smashed against the building and tossed together like toys as the water rapidly rises, soon reaching close to the rooftop.
As the situation worsens, tense voices are heard and evacuees climb higher onto the rooftop exit for safety. The camera shifts inland, showing Minato Junior High School and Minato Elementary School about 500 meters away. A woman expresses concern for the children, while another voice tries to reassure her.
The tsunami continues unabated, flooding nearby structures, including a large pachinko parking facility. In every direction, the surrounding area becomes an ocean, completely isolating the building. After the waters recede, the evacuees spend the night on the rooftop in fear and uncertainty.
