TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED FOR JAPAN, RUSSIA AND OTHER REGIONS

[jfchandler]

NHK Earthquake Recap:

Massive earthquake hits northeast Japan

A massive earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Friday, generating massive tsunami along broad areas of the Pacific coast. 23 [revised to 26] deaths have been reported.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says the quake struck at 2:46 PM Friday local time, off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture. The quake's estimated magnitude has been upgraded to 8.8 -- the strongest on record to hit Japan.

Major tsunami alerts for waves of up to 10 meters were issued from Hokkaido in the north, to Tokushima in the west.

In Miyagi Prefecture, the quake caused tremors with an intensity of 7 -- the maximum level on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7.

Strong tremors were also felt in many parts of the country, including Tokyo, where buildings shook for several minutes.

Three more quakes -- of magnitude 7.0 or higher -- struck in succession within 40 minutes of the initial temblor, all of them focused offshore in the Pacific near northeastern and central Japan.

At 3:50 PM, a tsunami surging higher than 7.3 meters struck Soma Port in Fukushima Prefecture, sweeping away houses. Police have ordered a mass evacuation.

A 4.2-meter tsunami hit Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture at 4:52 PM, while tsunami more than 4 meters high struck Kamaishi and Miyako in Iwate Prefecture at 3:21 PM.

It is difficult to grasp the extent of the damage caused by the series of quakes and tsunami. But deaths and injuries are reported in several prefectures.

In Miyagi Prefecture, one person has been confirmed dead, although there are unconfirmed reports of more fatalities.

The Miyagi authorities say about 20 people are stranded on a breakwater, while several others were washed away by the tsunami.

NHK cameras in quake-hit prefectures show tsunami swamping roads and sweeping away cars and houses.

At least 44 fires have been reported in 6 prefectures.

In Chiba Prefecture, a Cosmo Oil refinery caught fire following a gas leak caused by the earthquake.

Shinkansen bullet trains remain out of operation across most of the country. Although there are no reports of railway accidents, trains are halted in most Pacific coastal areas, including Tokyo.

Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture has shut down as its control tower has been evacuated. All expressways are closed to traffic in Miyagi Prefecture.

The earthquake has also caused power blackouts in wide areas, affecting millions of households.

Friday, March 11, 2011 18:16 +0900 (JST)

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/11_43.html

Edited March 11, 2011 by jfchandler

[AgentSmith]

There IS a map already posted here that shows a similar pattern you describe except the waves simply go around land masses. At least something to consider.

I saw the map after I posted and it is an excellent overview of the distribution.

The bigger map with the expected wave heights didn't load before so missed that one too. Well guess we're totally safe.

[dunkin2012]

here's better one...........dude

MAP

Thanks! Finally something solid.

Haha............ You're very welcomed.

[george]

UNCONFIRMED:

TSUNAMI WARNING FOR THAILAND

Tsunami Warning in Thailand, expect within 16 hours, March 12th at 4.46 AM near Gulf of Thailand /(via @tanatpong_nna)

[jfchandler]

Scene of tsunami flooding in Japan via NHK TV

Edited March 11, 2011 by jfchandler

[george]

Another picture from Reuters showing utter devastation near Sendai Airport - http://twitpic.com/48f5lj/full

--

AFP: Taiwan Says Tsunami Hits Without Major Impact

--

RT @Gmontadaro: Today's #quake is the biggest in #Japan for 140 years : http://ow.ly/4ciVu

[TheWalkingMan]

From Twitter

@BreakingNews

Utility reports fire at turbine building at nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan - AP

[george]

Update: Government and police raise death toll from Japan quake to 29 - AP

--

Miyagi prefecture nuclear plant fire update: Smoke seen at building separate from reactor; no reports of radioactive leaks, injuries - AP

A fire broke out in the turbine hall of Onagawa nuclear power plant in tsunami-hit Miyagi prefecture in northeast Japan http://bit.ly/eYarbS

--

Evacuation starts in northern Quezon , #Philippines due to tsunami alert http://goo.gl/fb/wYKbC

--

RT @BreakingNews:Miyagi nuclear plant fire update:Smoke seen at building separate from reactor; no reports of radioactive leaks,injuries -AP

--

Hawaiian officials open 9 schools on Kauai to tsunami evacuees - KHNL http://bit.ly/h6C5vF

--

A wall of mud and debris is moving fast across farmland in northern Japan http://on.cnn.com/ewG9YF #tsunami #earthquake

--

British nationals in Japan can contact Tokyo Embassy on +81 3 5211 1100, Osaka Consulate on + 81 6 6120 5600, FCO London on +44 20 7008 1500

[jfchandler]

BREAKING: Wall of chaos covering Japan's coast; debris, boats, cars, even fires float on tsunami wave -> http://bit.ly/fcvWmc #CNN

WOW... that CNN video of the tsunami coming ashore in Japan is terrifying... It looks like Phuket all over again....

[MILT]

I have been trying to call people in Hawaii and can't seem to get through. Anyone else having problems calling any of the areas effective by the Tsunami?

[george]

TAN Network: Tonight on Focus Thailand at 7PM, we interview a representative of Natl Disaster Warning Center on possibility of tsunami in Thailand

CBS News: Government raises death toll from Japan's earthquake, tsunami to 29: http://bit.ly/e8ROTx

AP: 11,000 evacuated in Russia after Japanese quake, death toll now at 32 in Japan

@japantimes: Weather agency confirms that the magnitude 8.8 quake is Japan's biggest ever

RT @aunonline: The giant waves!!! http://yfrog.com/hs24smij http://yfrog.com/gy44pnj #JpQuake

[sbk]

Hawaii has not been hit by a tsunami, more than likely the lines are swamped with people trying to call in.

[george]

UPDATE:

UPDATE 6 -- Enormous earthquakes, huge tsunamis devastate Japan

2011-03-11 17:24:00 GMT+7 (ICT)

TOKYO (BNO NEWS) -- A series of enormous earthquakes struck off the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan on early Friday afternoon, seismologists said, generating huge tsunamis that devastated coastlines and has prompted tsunami warnings for dozens of countries.

The initial 8.9-magnitude earthquake at 2.46 p.m. local time (0546 GMT) was centered about 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Sendai in Japan, on the nation's main island of Honshu. It struck about 24.4 kilometers (15.2 miles) deep, making it a shallow earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS estimated that approximately 2.1 million people would have felt severe shaking, which could result in heavy damage. Another 50 million could have felt strong to very strong shaking.

Numerous large aftershocks struck soon after, the largest being a 7.1 on the Richter scale. One of the aftershocks, which had a 6.8 magnitude, struck only 67 kilometers (42 miles) northeast of the capital of Tokyo.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) immediately issued a tsunami warning, and large tsunamis could be seen hitting northeastern coastlines and regions near Tokyo, submerging entire cities and villages. In Tokyo, where people fled from buildings, fires were seen burning and clouds of black smoke were rising above the city's skyline.

NHK Television reported that at least 23 people have been killed, but fears are that thousands may have died. Numbers buildings are reported to have collapsed. Meanwhile, a large tsunami is believed to be traveling across the Pacific Ocean, prompting tsunami alerts for dozens of countries.

Below are the latest updates:

INTERNATIONAL TSUNAMI WARNINGS The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for Japan, Russia, the Marcus Island, Taiwan, Yap, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Belau, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna Islands, Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Australia*, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Mexico, Kermadec Islands, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Pitcairn, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Antarctica, Panama, Honduras, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.

• = The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center itself has not issued a tsunami warning, saying there is no threat. = The New Zealand Tsunami Expert Panel has issued a tsunami marine warning only, saying there is a threat of strong and unusual currents with unusual wave activity possible at the beach. There is no land threat.

U.S. TSUNAMI WARNINGS - The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for the U.S. states of California and Oregon from Point Concepcion in California to the Oregon-Washington border. A tsunami warning is also in effect for the coastal areas of Alaska from Amchitka Pass to Attu.

• The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami advisory for the coastal areas of California from the California-Mexico border to Point Concepcion, California. A tsunami advisory is also in effect for the coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-Washington border to Amchitka Pass, Alaska.
• The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for Hawaii, Wake Island, the Northern Marianas, Guam, Midway Atol, Johnston Atol, Howland and Baker Islands, Palmyra Atol, Jarvis Island, and American Samoa.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-11

[george]

BBC: Video grab of #tsunami caused by massive #Japan #quake http://twitpic.com/48f4gr

--

Another quake now hitting Japan - NHK

BNO News: Emergency alert issued for quake now happening in Japan - NHK

--

Unconfirmed, on Japanese TV: from Shinchi town, Fukushima prefecture: 500 houses in five coastal areas swept away by tsunami.

NHK showing new live quake hitting now, watching the camera shake..

@BreakingNews: List of estimated tsunami arrival times for locations along the North American Pacific coast: http://1.usa.gov/gf9UgE

--

Emergency core cooling unit activated at Fukushima nuclear plant - Kyodo

--

Kyodo: Japan quake toll have claimed at least 32 lives. via @b_surisa

--

felix85: Latest now is Japan says atomic power emergency still in effect but says no radiation leaks

[george]

CNN: A look at the damage and after effects of the earthquake in an office in Japan.http://on.cnn.com/h1XjPN #tsunami #earthquake #japan

SkyNews: UK Foreign office has set up helpline for individuals in the UK concerned about the safety of friends and relatives in Japan - 020 7008 0000.

Flight info:

RT @babyfishie: RT @W7VOA: JAL, ANA cancel all Friday flights from NRT. #Tokyo #jpquake

Fact:

NBC: The world's strongest earthquakes and tsunamis http://pub.vitrue.com/xqz

Watch:

Watch A Japanese Airport Get Flooded By The Tsunami In Under 60 Seconds http://read.bi/e3hgxR

[george]

felix85: crazy scary dramatic news graphics already being used on TV in japan - anyone translate this one? - http://twitpic.com/48fdzq // actually NTV1 may be China tv

RT @cqdemal: http://www.youtube.com/aljazeeraenglish Al Jazeera showing a huge fire in Japan

Sandai Airport submerged: http://yfrog.com/hs3i5hqj http://yfrog.com/gzt2nnwj #JpQuake via @aunonline

RT @nine9nineco: Watch Japanese Network NHK LIVE Online http://bit.ly/hsZRnN

BBC Live coverage page of #Japan #quake - http://bbc.in/e29Rho

felix85: Kyodo: More than 1,200 Hong Kong tourists in Japan at the time of quake

[jfchandler]

NHK quoting govt. official says local phone lines are being overloaded, and urging people to limit phone use to emergency and urgent calls.

Here's another live video news feed, albeit in Japanese audio... TV Asahi

http://www.tv-asahi....nnnews_list.wvx

And another live news video feed from FNN - Fuji News...

http://www.fnn-news.com/news/playlist/video/wmv/news_300.asx

Edited March 11, 2011 by jfchandler

[ETatBKK]

felix85: crazy scary dramatic news graphics already being used on TV in japan - anyone translate this one? - http://twitpic.com/48fdzq // actually NTV1 may be China tv

the bond graphic said : Japanese hugh earthquake

from NTV of Japan

[jfchandler]

NHK talking about the govt. having declared its first ever state of nuclear emergency due to a cooling system problem at Tokyo Electric's Fukushima 1 nuclear plan.... No leakage of radiation reported thus far...

And more scenes of tsunami flooding from Asahi TV...

Edited March 11, 2011 by jfchandler

[Gaccha]

felix85: crazy scary dramatic news graphics already being used on TV in japan - anyone translate this one? - http://twitpic.com/48fdzq // actually NTV1 may be China tv

It just says 'Japan's Big Earthquake'.

[george]

RT @Dany_k: Part of houses swallowed by tsunami burn in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture (Kyodo photo) http://bit.ly/dX4gQ7 /v @RodrigoEBR #japan

Surayuth Thai TV Channel 3: "Be careful if Tsunami hits Southern Thailand"

Taiwan says Fri minor tsunamis set off by a massive quake in Japan reached the island's coastline without causing any damage. : AFP

Statement By The President On The Earthquake In Japan And The Resulting Tsunami Warning Throughout The Pacific:

Michelle & I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan, particularly those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake and tsunamis

Obama: The United States stands ready to help the Japanese people in this time of great trial. Obama: The United States stands ready to help the Japanese people in this time of great trial. Obama: I have instructed FEMA to be ready to assist Hawaii and the rest of the US states and territories that could be affected. /BNO News

[george]

UPDATE:

UPDATE 7 -- Widespread tsunami warnings after huge quake, tsunamis devastate Japan

2011-03-11 18:01:23 GMT+7 (ICT)

TOKYO (BNO NEWS) -- A series of enormous earthquakes struck off the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan on early Friday afternoon, seismologists said, generating huge tsunamis that devastated coastlines and has prompted tsunami warnings for dozens of countries.

The initial 8.9-magnitude earthquake at 2.46 p.m. local time (0546 GMT) was centered about 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Sendai in Japan, on the nation's main island of Honshu. It struck about 24.4 kilometers (15.2 miles) deep, making it a shallow earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS estimated that approximately 2.1 million people would have felt severe shaking, which could result in heavy damage. Another 50 million could have felt strong to very strong shaking.

Numerous large aftershocks struck soon after, the largest being a 7.1 on the Richter scale. One of the aftershocks, which had a 6.8 magnitude, struck only 67 kilometers (42 miles) northeast of the capital of Tokyo.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) immediately issued a tsunami warning, and large tsunamis could be seen hitting northeastern coastlines and regions near Tokyo, submerging entire cities and villages. In Tokyo, where people fled from buildings, fires were seen burning and clouds of black smoke were rising above the city's skyline.

NHK Television reported that at least 32 people have been killed, but fears are that thousands may have died. Numbers buildings are reported to have collapsed. Meanwhile, a large tsunami is believed to be traveling across the Pacific Ocean, prompting tsunami alerts for dozens of countries.

Below are the latest updates:

CASUALTIES

According to Japanese media, at least 32 people have died and dozens more are missing. There are no reports of casualties from other nations at this time.

INTERNATIONAL TSUNAMI WARNINGS

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for Japan, Russia, the Marcus Island, Taiwan, Yap, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Belau, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna Islands, Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Australia (1), Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Mexico, Kermadec Islands, French Polynesia, New Zealand (2), Pitcairn, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Antarctica, Panama, Honduras, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.

(1) = The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center itself has not issued a tsunami warning, saying there is no threat.

(2) = The New Zealand Tsunami Expert Panel has issued a tsunami marine warning only, saying there is a threat of strong and unusual currents with unusual wave activity possible at the beach. There is no land threat.

U.S. TSUNAMI WARNINGS

The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for the U.S. states of California and Oregon from Point Concepcion in California to the Oregon-Washington border. A tsunami warning is also in effect for the coastal areas of Alaska from Amchitka Pass to Attu.

The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami advisory for the coastal areas of California from the California-Mexico border to Point Concepcion, California. A tsunami advisory is also in effect for the coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-Washington border to Amchitka Pass, Alaska.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for Hawaii, Wake Island, the Northern Marianas, Guam, Midway Atol, Johnston Atol, Howland and Baker Islands, Palmyra Atol, Jarvis Island, and American Samoa.

"A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said in a bulletin. "Urgent action should be taken to protest lives and property." It said the first tsunamis can reach Hawaii by 3.07 a.m. local time.

LIST OF MAJOR AFTERSHOCKS

The following is a list of major aftershocks, above 6.0 on the Richter scale: 6.4 (0606 GMT), 6.4 (0607 GMT), 6.8 (0615 GMT), 7.1 (0625 GMT), 6.3 (0648 GMT), 6.3 (0657 GMT), 6.3 (0714 GMT), 6.1 (0725 GMT), 6.1 (0728 GMT), 6.2 (0812 GMT), 6.2 (0815 GMT), 6.5 (0819 GMT), 6.1 (0831 GMT), 6.0 (1010 GMT).

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE -- UNITED KINGDOM

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the UK government is in contact with the Japanese government. "I have asked our Ambassador in Tokyo to offer all assistance we can as Japan responds to this terrible disaster," Hague said in a statement,

"Our Embassy and Consulates-General across Japan are in touch with local authorities and making contact with British Nationals to provide consular assistance. We have set up a crisis centre in the Foreign Office to co-ordinate our response and offer advice to anyone concerned about relatives or friends in Japan. We are not aware of any British casualties at this time," he said.

He added: "Following tsunami warnings across the region our Embassies and Consulates are preparing to provide assistance. Rapid Deployment Teams are ready to travel immediately to the areas of most need."

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE -- EUROPE

European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek offered his "deepest condolences" to the people of Japan and to the families and friends of the victims. "We stand by the Japanese people and government," Buzek said, calling it an "unimaginable tragedy."

He added: "I am convinced that thanks to the high standards of buildings and infrastructure as well as the preparedness of the Japanese people damages and casualties have been minimized."

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE -- RUSSIA

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said "Russia is ready to offer Japan disaster relief assistance following the earthquake."

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE -- IRELAND

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has activated its Consular Crisis Centre to deal with public queries relating to the earthquake in Japan and associated tsunami. The dedicated call line is 01-418 0233.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE -- NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully has expressed deep concern and sympathy to the people of Japan following the earthquake. All New Zealanders are concerned to learn of this major quake which has caused extensive damage. Our thoughts are with the people of Japan at this moment as they endeavour to respond to this disaster," Mr McCully said.

He added: "Japan has stood by our side in our time of need in the weeks following our tragedy in Christchurch. Our hearts go out to our friends in Japan."

The New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo said it is checking the whereabouts and safety of New Zealanders thought to be in the four most affected prefectures of northeast Japan. New Zealanders who have concerns about family in northeastern Japan can contact the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 0800 432 111 or overseas from +64 439 8000.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-11

[TheWalkingMan]

felix85: crazy scary dramatic news graphics already being used on TV in japan - anyone translate this one? - http://twitpic.com/48fdzq // actually NTV1 may be China tv

RT @cqdemal: http://www.youtube.com/aljazeeraenglish Al Jazeera showing a huge fire in Japan

Sandai Airport submerged: http://yfrog.com/hs3i5hqj http://yfrog.com/gzt2nnwj #JpQuake via @aunonline

RT @nine9nineco: Watch Japanese Network NHK LIVE Online http://bit.ly/hsZRnN

BBC Live coverage page of #Japan #quake - http://bbc.in/e29Rho

felix85: Kyodo: More than 1,200 Hong Kong tourists in Japan at the time of quake

http://twitpic.com/48fdzq = Japan, large earthquake.

[george]

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake has struck Hawaii as residents brace for a tsunami after a massive earthquake in Japan. : AP

CNN: U.S. Pacific Fleet ships to remain at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in aftermath of Japan quake, Navy says. http://on.cnn.com/hQmkLS

CNN: Warnings for the coastal areas along the United States and Canadian west coasts.

LATEST :: Japan Air defense force's Matsushima base almost submerged by Tsunami - Kyodo

CNN: Waves from tsunami caused by Japan quake could wash over entire islands in the Pacific, aid agencies warn. http://on.cnn.com/hQmkLS

BBC: #Japan declares emergency situation at nuclear plant, as cooler not working; no radioactive leakage

BNO News: Chilean President appeals for calm amid tsunami warning for Chile. BNO News: Chilean President says his priority is to ensure the safety of the population and maintaining normal functioning

CNN's Carter Evans is in Hawaii reporting live as tsunami warnings sound http://bit.ly/fjIYZO #japan #tsunami #earthquake

This is Aela of Al Jazeera RT: @aelacallan: Boarding flight to Japan. Anyone who can help with contacts DM me.

[TheWalkingMan]

From Twitter

@BreakingNews

Japan declares 'nuclear emergency' as attempts to cool reactor at northern plant are 'not going as planned' - official via NHK

What the hell is a 'nuclear emergency'? Now I am nervous.

TheWalkingMan

[creck]

That is an unbelievable earthquake and tsunami in Japan– seven metres wall of water at least and the destruction is just mindboggling. My thoughts to everybody affected. I know its not worth much but I feel it.

Really scary latest news :

Japan declares 'nuclear emergency' as attempts to cool reactor at northern plant are 'not going as planned' - official via NHK 3 minutes ago via breakingnews.com

[george]

@markmackinnon CNN has different info than Canadian tsunami centres. We are under "advisory" not "watch" on BC coast. Much less severe.

RT @BBCWorld: Millions of people walking home from work in #Tokyo amid travel chaos after earthquake, says BBC correspondent Roland Buerk

Medvedev: Today, Japan was hit by a powerful earthquake of magnitude of some 9 degrees. The earthquake has caused widespread destruction and claimed victims. Medvedev declares state of emergency for the Kuril Islands and in Sakhalin Region /BNO News

Fukushima No. 1 and No. 2 nuclear plants facing "emergency situation," Japanese TV reporting. No radioactive leaks at this point.

RT @suthichai: RT @CrimeWatchCH: Another dramatic quake clip

The Nation: Suvarnabhumi airport has opened a hotline, 02 1321888 , for inquiries about travels to Japan.

[george]

Thaivisa friend in Tokyo right now:

buildings are being damaged in aftershocks, the stairs in our building came away too..while i was running down them during the second quake. we'd gone in to grab some stuff when the second one hit....the walls started cracking...i ran so <deleted> fast out of that building.

[jfchandler]

NHK updates death toll according to police to 44...

Also, here's a bit of information about the Fukushima nuclear power plants that are having cooling problems...

http://en.wikipedia....ear_Power_Plant

Re the question above about what a "nuclear emergency" means in Japan...this is the Wiki entry on the Fukushima plant web page...

NHK broadcasting reported that all six reactors shut down automatically, but that all cooling pumps for reactor #1 were non-functional. Because cooling pumps are needed to reduce residual reactor heat, a nuclear emergency was declared. Under Japanese law, a nuclear emergency must be declared if there is a release of radiation, if there is a dangerous level of water in the reactor, or if the cooling mechanisms fail. It was the first time a nuclear emergency had been declared in Japan. No immediate radiation leak was reported.

Edited March 11, 2011 by jfchandler

[george]

Officials fear tsunami may have washed over entire islands in Pacific - CNN

Reuters: Ship carrying 100 people swept away by tsunami off northeastern coast of Japan. http://bit.ly/eQzIqc

Tokyo Tower is tilted, a bit http://news.goo.ne.jp/photo/jiji/nation/jiji-0575297.html

US geological service reports 40 earthquakes in and around Japan so far today, more than a dozen magnitude 6.0 or greater.

Tsunami carries away ship with 100 people on board, Miyagi police tell Kyodo News