Miki Endo


Miki Endo was employed by the town of Minamisanriku's Crisis Management Department to broadcast disaster advisories and warnings.
During the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. She was remained at her post on the first floor of the three-storey Crisis Management Center continuing to broadcast warnings and alerts over the community loudspeaker system as the tsunami swept over the building silencing the loudspeakers, killing her and overwhelming the town. Of the approximately 40 people who fled to the roof of the building, only 11 survived, by clinging to the rooftop antenna.
She was hailed in the Japanese news media as a heroine for sacrificing her life and was credited with saving many lives. Miki's body was discovered by authorities on 23 April 2011.
The three-story headquarters of the department remained standing but was completely gutted, with only a red-colored steel skeleton remaining. Photos show the roof of the building completely submerged at the height of the inundation, with some people clinging to the rooftop antenna.