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

[News_Editor]

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

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