In its worst crisis since World War II, Japan faces disaster on an epic scale.

A death toll likely in the tens of thousands, massive destruction of homes and businesses, shortages of water and power, and the specter of nuclear meltdown.

With exclusive footage, NOVA captures the unfolding human drama and offers a clear-headed investigation of what triggered the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear crisis.

Can science and technology ever prevent devastation in the face of overwhelmingly powerful forces of nature?