'Perfect storm' triggers meltdown of nuclear plant
March 11
More than 18,000 people died on March 11, 2011 when Japan's north-eastern coast was hit by a massive earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.
A magnitude-9.0 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan's main island, at 2.46pm, triggering a towering tsunami that reached land within half an hour.
The tsunami sent towering 40-metre waves up to 10 kilometres inland, flattening neighbourhoods
The tsunami also smashed into the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, destroying its power and cooling systems and triggering meltdowns at three reactors.
The following day, a hydrogen explosion at the plant's No. 1 reactor sent radiation billowing into the air.
Similar explosions occurred at two other reactors over the following days.
On March 11, 1978, the debut album of American singer Meat Loaf, Bat Out Of Hell began its record-breaking 416-week run on the UK charts.
Bat Out of Hell took more than two years to find a taker as numerous record executives turned it down.
But it went on to be one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.
Spain's deadliest terrorist attack hit the country's capital Madrid on March 11, 2004, killing 193 people and injuring more than 1800.
Ten bombs hidden in backpacks and other small bags exploded on four commuter trains. One bomb did not explode and was defused.
Islamic militants who were based in Spain but inspired by al Qaeda planted the bombs.
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