Japan: massive earthquake and 10-meter tsunami (videos)

The northeast coast of country was struck by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake, the largest in Japan’s recorded history, triggering a 10-meter tsunami that swept away everything in its path. The quake struck at about 2:46pm local time at a depth of 10 kilometres about 125 kilometres off the coast and was followed by at least 19 aftershocks. Most of the aftershocks registered at 6.0, with one reaching 7.1. Reports are saying that 60 people have died and another 59 are missing. In comparison, the recent quake that has now claimed more than 160 lives in New Zealand was measured at 6.3.

Major damage has been reported in broad areas in northern Japan. As well as damage from the quake itself, several tsunami waves sent crushing walls of water littered with boats and buildings over the coastal areas through farmlands and city areas further havoc. Officials are advising people to move to higher ground in advance of more expected tsunamis.

The largest city in the region, Sendai reportedly has fires, likely triggered by gas pipes ruptured in the crush of tons of debris-packed water, spreading throughout sections of the city.

Japan has declared a state of emergency and the Defence Ministry has dispatched troops to the area.

Even though Tokyo was not hit, it being more than 300 kilometres away, train and subway service was halted leaving million of rush hour commuters to fend for themselves. Reports are saying that there are 4 million building without power in the capital region.

Several quakes had been reported in the same northeast region of Japan in recent days, including a 7.3-magnitude tremor on Wednesday.

Tsunami alerts have been issued for New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and others as waves spread out from the 8.9 epicentre in Japan.

Japan is located in what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000 km (25,000 mi) horseshoe of great seismic activity touching the east of Asia and the west of North and South America. 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes are located here and 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur in this area.

Japan is home to ten percent of the world’s active volcanoes. There are as many as 1,500 earthquakes recorded annually, and magnitudes of four to six on the Richter scale are common. One part of the country or another has minor tremors almost daily which may cause slight shaking of buildings. Major earthquakes are infrequent. The most famous in the twentieth century were: the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923, in which 130,000 people died; and the Great Hanshin earthquake of 17 January 1995, in which 6,434 people died.

Skynews – Mar 11/2011

Japan Earthquake: Tsunami Hits After 8.9 Quake

Oh my God! Amazing video of the tsunami; nobody would stand a chance against such a wall of water.

Euronews – Mar 11/2011

Tsunami hits Japan

Commentary in Japanese

Russia Today – Mar 11/2011

Japan earthquake: CCTV video of tsunami wave hitting airport

Russia Today – Mar 11/2011

Scary footage: Tsunami waves raging, buildings burn after 8.9 Japan earthquake

References

Wikipedia: 2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami

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