The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011 was the largest nuclear incident since the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986. It occurred when the magnitude 9.0 Great East Japan earthquake on March 11, 2011, triggered a tsunami that hit the plant, resulting in a meltdown of three of the plant's six nuclear reactors and severe damage to a fourth. Evacuation due to radiation concerns forced at least 380,000 people from their homes. Researchers are currently studying increased rates of thyroid cancers among children and young adults in the region. The Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission found that problems with the plant were foreseeable and that the disaster was “manmade”.  The boiling water reactors, originally designed by General Electric (GE) and operated by Toyko Electric Power Company (TEPCO,) melted down when power and cooling systems failed as a result of tsunami flooding. The site continues to generate massive amounts of radioactive water, some of which leaks into the ocean. The disaster has also taken a toll on forest land, which TEPCO is clearing as a site to store tanks holding radioactive water. Cleanup will take decades and cost hundreds of billions of dollars.  The Washington State nuclear power station, Columbia Generating Station, is of similar design, and is vulnerable to damage from devastating earthquakes.