Japan, (23) ______on the Ring of Fire on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, has suffered some major earthquakes over the years. However, nothing before compared to the triple disaster of March 11, 2011: a massive earthquake followed by powerful tsunamis (24)_____ led to a serious nuclear accident. The horrors began shortly before three (25)_______ the afternoon local time with a 9.0- magnitude earthquake. Its epicenter was nearly 20 miles (26)_______the floor of the Pacific Ocean, about 80 miles east of the Japanese city of Sendai. The quake was one of the most powerful ever recorded and the (27)_______ to hit this region of Japan. 23. A. was B. lied C. placed D. situated 24. A. who B. when C . whom D. which 25. A. in B. over C. on D. at 26. A. upper B. on C. below D. lower 27. A. stronger B. strongest C. strength D. strong