Even a year later, debris remains from the March 11, 2011, tsunami that devastated Japan and caused thousands of deaths. Millions of tons of wreckage—from boats to appliances—still float on the Pacific Ocean. For those who lost families and homes, the reminders run deeper.

On a small scale, this tragic tsunami reminds us of the global Flood’s potential impact. The massive waves in Japan left a poignant reminder of how much damage water can do in a relatively short period of time. In addition, the items still floating in the ocean provide clues as to how the offspring of some animals that survived on the Ark could have used debris to reach distant places quickly after the Flood. As huge forests were ripped up, log mats would potentially have remained on the oceans for many years after the waters receded.

Ultimately, tragedies like the one in Japan point to the continuing impact of Adam’s sin on our universe. The world groans in anticipation of God restoring it to the “very good” state like it had in the beginning (Romans 8:22; Revelation 21:4; 22:3).