A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of northern Japan, causing massive damage and tsunamis of up to 30 feet. Early reports put the death toll at 32, but that is almost certain to rise. The photos and videos out so far show tremendous devastation across large portions of Japan.
Tsunami warnings are up around the Pacific, including Alaska and the American west coast. In Hawaii, they're already evacuating low-lying areas, with the waves expected to reach the islands around 8:00 a.m. Eastern.
This earthquake was roughly twice as powerful as the 1923 earthquake that also hit Japan -- and that one killed between 100,000 and 142,000 people.
For those of you so inclined, prayers would be most appropriate.
Tsunami warnings are up around the Pacific, including Alaska and the American west coast. In Hawaii, they're already evacuating low-lying areas, with the waves expected to reach the islands around 8:00 a.m. Eastern.
This earthquake was roughly twice as powerful as the 1923 earthquake that also hit Japan -- and that one killed between 100,000 and 142,000 people.
For those of you so inclined, prayers would be most appropriate.
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Comments (7)
Its weird watching a tsunam... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Gmac | March 11, 2011 6:22 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Its weird watching a tsunami hit...
They are showing what appears to be an airport and then buildings being swept away by the wall of water,
1. Posted by Gmac | March 11, 2011 6:22 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2011 06:22
2. Posted by G. | March 11, 2011 9:30 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
My nephew is there in Tokyo Bay(Navy) no word from him yet.
2. Posted by G. | March 11, 2011 9:30 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2011 09:30
3. Posted by WildWillie | March 11, 2011 9:46 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Japan being so tech savvy gave me and the rest of us the clearest, real time video's of this event. I am truly saddened. My prayers go out to them. ww
3. Posted by WildWillie | March 11, 2011 9:46 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2011 09:46
4. Posted by epador | March 11, 2011 10:26 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Our Tsunami evacuation has gone well - the entire Long Beach peninsula evacuated early this AM. We may not have a big wave here but with all the advanced warning, folks here appear safe except for the stupid ones and the news sharks.
4. Posted by epador | March 11, 2011 10:26 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2011 10:26
5. Posted by Chip | March 11, 2011 11:48 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
G. my son is also in the Navy at Yokuska, 7th fleet page on Facebook has no reported injuries to Navy personnel or facilities.
5. Posted by Chip | March 11, 2011 11:48 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2011 11:48
6. Posted by Peter F. | March 11, 2011 1:47 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Given the near catastrophic size of the quake, what's truly impressive is that Japan's infrastructure has largely remained in tact—nuke plants to communications to buildings. If they "only" lose 1000-2000 people, it's real testament to their earthquake and tsunami preparation.
6. Posted by Peter F. | March 11, 2011 1:47 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2011 13:47
7. Posted by Howie | March 11, 2011 3:55 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
"See, this is why George Bush is so dumb, theres a disaster in the world and he sends an Aircraft Carrier..."
Wonders if the left will say the same about Obama as he is sending in the Navy too. I won't hold my breath.
http://varifrank.com/archives/2005/01/today_i_was_unp_1.php
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/03/obama-pledges-help-japan-us-navy-ships-way
7. Posted by Howie | March 11, 2011 3:55 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2011 15:55