Tsunami from 8.9 magnitude earthquake devastates Japan

A massive earthquake has hit the north east of Japan, triggering a tsunami that has caused extensive damage.

The BBC reported that Japanese television showed cars, ships and even buildings being swept away by a vast wall of water after the 8.9 magnitude earthquake.

The quake has sparked fires in several areas including Tokyo, with at least 15 people reported dead so far.

It struck about 400km from the capital at a depth of 20 miles and there have been powerful aftershocks.

The tremor hit at around 6pm Fiji Time.

Seismologists say it is one of the largest earthquakes to hit Japan for many years.

A tsunami warning was extended across the Pacific to include the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hawaii, the Pacific coast of Russia and North and South America.


Source: BBC