Tsunami in Japan caused by 8.9 Magnitude Earthquake

[avich]

Tsunami in Japan caused by 8.9 Magnitude Earthquake

http://i.imgur.com/P1WWz.jpg


Since 90% of our site is dedicated to Japanese media - we would like to ask all our members to keep the citizens of Japan in our hearts and prayers.

They have given so much to us - now all we can do is pray for them and wish the best for all those affected


From BBC:

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

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, and numerous casualties are feared.
It struck about 250 miles (400km) from the capital at a depth of 20 miles. There have been powerful aftershocks.

The tremor hit at 1446 local time (0546 GMT). Seismologists say it is one of the largest earthquakes to hit Japan for many years.

The tsunami warning was extended to the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Pacific coast of Russia and Hawaii.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the wave could extend as far as Chile.

Tsunami waves hit Japan's Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, officials said.

Japan's NHK television showed a massive surge of debris-filled water sweeping away buildings, cars and ships and reaching far inland.

The earthquake also triggered a number of fires, including one at an oil refinery in Ichihara city in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo, engulfing storage tanks.

There were reports of about 20 people injured in Tokyo after the roof of a hall collapsed on to a graduation ceremony.

Residents and workers in Tokyo rushed out of apartment buildings and office blocks and gathered in parks and open spaces as aftershocks continued to hit.


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51632000/gif/_51632880_japan_quake_03112.gif

Bullet train services to northern Japan were halted, rapid transit in Tokyo was suspended and some nuclear power plants automatically shut down.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan said there had been no radiation leaks.

In a televised address, he extended his sympathy to the victims of the disaster and said an emergency response headquarters had been set up.

He said the earthquake had a magnitude of 8.4 while the US Geological Survey said it measured 8.9.
Also for the reported warned areas in other countries, please evacuate now from the shoreline. It might not be as intense but there will be a wave on the way there. For the northern Philippines, the wave will arrive around 8-9pm tonight. For those who are near the shores on the northern part of PH, please evacuate for your safety.


http://i.imgur.com/Zl2tT.jpg
Thanks Kobowo

[grimm]

thats terrible! i sure hope most people got out okay :(

[Sora Kasugano]

Crazy O.o

8.9 Magnitude plus Tsunami hitting North-East of Japan O_O

That is really terrible.

[Kobowo]

For those filipino members who are viewing this take a look at this picture to find out which parts of ph will be hit by tsunamis http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb332/kbw121/waveR.gif



I was just listening to the news and it appears that japan has been the most ready country when it comes to the quake because they were expecting a huge earthquake for some time now....but still looking at the damage that was done >_< I hope all the best for japan and I hope they recover from the quake/tsunami soon....

[Tinychibi]

I hope Japan will be alright!!!!! T_T
I felt the waves were a little weird this morning too no wonder

[notanotaku]

It's going to hit Phil in 2 hours time roughly. But seriously, have you guys seen the tsunami...It was so effing big.

I'm guessing there won't be anime for a while?

[lastshin]

let's just hope for the best for japan

[hateful28]

it's a good thing that we have advance technology to predict this kind of natural disasters..

[grimm]

It's going to hit Phil in 2 hours time roughly. But seriously, have you guys seen the tsunami...It was so effing big.

I'm guessing there won't be anime for a while?

the tsunami didnt hit tokyo, but the earthquake did. they will recover and be running as fast as they can i'm sure

[xiety]

http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/ <----- Google set this up for those who has relatives living in Japan to check the status

[dexter453]

the earthquake has finished japan next is here in the Philippines....


I pray for those who lost their lives in this tragic event and I pray for the safety to all who has and who will experience/d this disaster.

[Kumo no Yoru]

Thanks for the info.

And, I'll be blunt - prayers are the only thing that will help from this side unless anyone wants to die trying to help others.

It's negative, but it's true, and unless this is knocked into the heads of people around the world, we won't have to kill each other to do better, nature will do it for us - and all we have to do is sit back and watch.

[titichu]

Currently living in Tokyo...worst earthquake since I started living there. Everything should return to normal tomorrow but there's is currently no gaz and some phones aren't working. Still, for such a big magnitude earthquake, Japan suffered relatively little casualities.

[coldground93]

Looking at the Kobowo's map... the tsunami will hit most of the norther and eastern part of the philippines. I have a sister in Davao. I pray for her safety and the others in Davao and all the other places. I just hope it won't reach Manila (I'm here.). my mother learned about this and became quite hysterical (she wants me to go back to Caloocan City for today), couldn't blame her though..

[Rylsouske]

My friend is on Japan.. I know she's fine but.. I really can't stop worrying about her.

[avich]

Currently living in Tokyo...worst earthquake since I started living there. Everything should return to normal tomorrow but there's is currently no gaz and some phones aren't working. Still, for such a big magnitude earthquake, Japan suffered relatively little casualities.

Good to know your alright. Too early to conclude but hope your right.

[powerband]

Hope for the best! its sad but survive JAPAN!!

[ciaossu]

I pray for the safety of everyone in Japan... and I also thank God that there were only little casualties that occurred.

Aya Hirano, Mamiko Noto, and all my favorite voice actors/actresses please be safe!

[forecast]

thats hard earthquake then tsunami.
hope the people near the shoreline in ph knows this so they can prepare(evacuate).
Hope they recover fast and I'll pray for the victims.

[Arence]

It really gives me Goosebumps.
I hope my relatives their are okay. </3

LET'S PRAY FOR JAPAN, PEEPS.
Their the reason, why we enjoy watching the so called "Anime".

[eddtomphan]

DAYUM! I love Japan and I live in the Philippines. I hope everything turns out ok. Even though I live in Negros, (which means I'm safe) this doesn't mean I'm not gonna be concerned! Japan so much, we should help.

[mokochan013]

well hope japan is okay
i wish i could help them but the only thing i can do now is pray. . .
i dont care if anime is off for a time but
whats important is there safety. .
lets just belive in God. .

[CloverLeaf]

http://i.imgur.com/pHLox.jpg

The encircled island is the province that I live in, Catanduanes.
But the news says that the estimated height of the tsunami that will strike in the Philippines is only one meter. And PHIVOLCS said that one meter is not destructive.
Let's just pray that Japan and other neighboring Asian countries will be OK.

[Anytimelol]

My thoughts and prayers for the people of Japan. Wishing you the best, please stay safe.

[Kanami]

That's crazy! I hope everything will be alright... I have a friend there and I'm praying for the safety of the Japanese citizens...

[sotong88]

Oh my gosh, thats just terrible. My mom's Filipino and i got cousins and relatives there. I hope that they are ok... My grandma lives on high ground but i'm not sure about my other cousins.... I noe that my grandma lives around the center of The Philippines but my other cousins i am not sure...... Oh gosh, hope that the people will be ok, the people in Japan as well. Pray for them

[aciir]

"Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will spare you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on earth."
-Revelations 3:10
Do not be afraid guys...this is God's promise to His people that He will spare us is these times..just put all your trust on Him.:)

[xuei0000]

I just got home and I was shocked by this news. I just watch the news on TV now and I have seen the 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan which last for 30 min. Then I also saw in the news about the tsunami - very terrifying for cars and even ships are taken by the tsunami. The world is getting scary. AND now, in a worse scenario, Japan has been hit by a 8.9 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami. I think that World Destruction Movies are turning into reality. BUT I really hope it wouldn't!!! LET'S PRAY for EVERYONE IN JAPAN and FOR THOSE PLACES who WILL BE HIT BY EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS.

It's been said in the news that Davao, Phil. will have a precautionary alert for it would have an earthquake this 9 in the evening. It's almost near in our place but not that near. I hope everything will be OK soon~

LET US BE AWARE~

[Viletomb2010]

I hope japan will recover to this massive earthquake. I will pray that japan is just all right and for the other countries also of course including the Philippines.

[ayahirashi]

I hope Japan is ok.

I'll pray for them and i dont want the tsunami hit in the Phil..

[jumpingjack]

My condolences to the Japanese. Hope they will mostly be fine. 34 are already reported dead... I wish they'll be alright

[lonesoul]

I guess this would be the Nth time Japan recovers from a massive damage...strong people...

[LordKaname]

Please be safe JapaN! and EarthQuake and Tsunami pls go awaY! And please be safe all of the otaku and people of Japan!!
I will keep you in my prayers guys!!

[eclipser666]

Let's all pray for the victims of Japan earthquake. God, that was 8.9! Let us also pray together that no more strong quakes will occur.

[voltar]

why did it have to be japan?!?!?!?!?!??!:((
this sucks...well we just have to pray for the best...
~voltar~

[ranmachua]

Gosh. I hope everyone is alright

[ryukyo069]

This really a tragedy, and I hope there wouldn't be casualty,....
This tragedy reminds me of one anime they made Tokyo Magnitude 8.0.... T_T
Lets pray for them to be safe and sound.....

[reneiru]

My Girlfriend is in Japan.. >_< though she calls me once in a while. im still worried about her.

[jeiru01]

I wish the best for all. I'll pray that everything will be alright tomorrow. I hope no more disastrous events will happen.

I hope everyone will be fine. This and my dad's current location is making me depressed even more.

[Jsrf38]

Omg omg.. I'm shaking and I started crying.
I hope they can make it through. Stay strong Japan..

[nagisatomoya]

I'm glad that where safe. but the earthquake is so strong. I guess im not be online in OS for a 3 weeks

[Ice023]

Even if the tsunami won't hit in the place where I live, It gives me goosebumps ~_~
...hope that Japan will recover from that :|

[Bassist]

Praying for the safety of all people affected. Hoping their lives , relations and valuables do not get damaged.

[eplax1233]

Pray For Japan....Japan need our prayer...and i hope that it will not happen again..~~:blur::touched::blur:
http://otaku-streamers.com/tools/sig/24057-eplax1233.jpg (http://otaku-streamers.com/)

[benz09great]

whew.. so episode of Gosick will be delayed? how sad :(

PRAY FOR JAPAN..

[hailey]

my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone effected at this time, keep safe.

[Pascon]

that really scary!!! I hope they doing fine!! lets pray for japan....

[ralvyn]

Let's keep praying, that's all we can do.

[MioAkiyama]

yeah we should
and pray for our country as well
of all the places the earthquake picked why japan >:O
anyways i pray for their safety and also
in the philippines in isabela i hope my relatives are okay ><

[Tkdvince]

Lets Pray all of us...

[aienma1107]

thats terrible.. lets just pray for the safety of everyone ..

[deathcherry]

I hope and I pray for the safety of everyone who got affected with the tsunami and earthquake incident most specially Japan.
I pray for my country as well, the Philippines. Let us pray and have faith to God.

[holyvampire9]

Currently living in Tokyo...worst earthquake since I started living there. Everything should return to normal tomorrow but there's is currently no gaz and some phones aren't working. Still, for such a big magnitude earthquake, Japan suffered relatively little casualities. thank God your safe :) and one thing I hope everyone in Japan is safe and I hope also that here in Philippines won't take worst :)
Oh btw it would expected that there would be DELAY of MANGA and ANIME and if that happens then i would just re-watch every video that i saw previous :)

[lon3lyh3art]

*prays for japan*
I hope no one important died D:
And Japan can handle this earthquake, I know they can :D

[leonx2]

Let's all pray for the people not just in japan but also the other countries that going to be affected by the tsunami including the Philippines

[SkyOrange]

so that means no animes for the meantime?

[Lexiaz]

yea im shocked too after hearing tht news in the television just now:omg:
im hope tht japanese people there are always been safe><:donwan:
all i can do is just praying for them...
im feel very sympathy for japan><:touched:
stay hold and ganbatte yea all people whos live there

[menisa06]

Let's pray for their safety!!!

[knipyoko]

This is really devastating ...
The time appointed is coming soon..

[Lexiaz]

im felt very sympathy for them><
i hope tht citizens whos injured will be cured soon...

[storm]

Hawaii is now being hit by the aftereffects of the tsunami. Best wishes for those effected...

[gamakichisama]

Condoleces with deepest sympathy to all the involved. My heart is in grief.

日本頑張って！！！！

[Redwing808]

Nothing's more powerful than the power of faith! Let's pray that this tragic happenings will stop sooner and let's pray that we're all going to be safe... Amen...
Sympathy to all Japanese people... :(( Let's for their safety...

[KipiChii]

My friend is current a foriegn exchange student there, I pray for her and everyone who was struck by the earthquick >_<

[kimnoa]

Hope their disaster management agency works swiftly unlike here in the pH. T_T

I wonder what effect will this do to the updates on anime's and manggas.. I think there would be a possibility for shonen jump to be delayed cause of this earthquake tsunami..

[globeopinion]

I don't know this until my sister told me so.. i was shocked when she told me that there was a 8.9 magnitude earthquake in japan then afterwards a tsunami appeared.. it was terrible, and yeah, let's pray for them.. i hope they will recover soon..

[climhazzard]

Hope everything will be fine after this cataclysmic event. I pray for the victims and to all the people of Japan who were affected. It was already said on our news here in the Philippines that they were extensively ready for such a calamity to arise....hope our country will also be ready to face such a catastrophe and be ready to lend a helping hand for we must act what we pray or it will be all but naught...:haix:

[bakedtofu]

My sympathy goes out to the individuals, families, and communities impacted by this natural tragedy. My positive thoughts are with the Japanese (all the way from Detroit, Michigan, USA). I know this disaster will not limit the courage and creativity of the Japanese people.

After this destruction, let us all envision order, peace, and beauty being restored to Japan in the coming months.

[kikyam123]

base on the news that i last heard(here at the phil) they still can't establish any connection to japan, hope they'll be able to recover soon...

[rouroken321]

supposed to go to the east coast of japan in a week for student exchange, hope my host family and all other familys in japan have gotten to safety and hope that those in other tsunami warning countries get to safety right away.

[BloodyAngel]

RIP to the people who died to the earthquake and God bless to the people of Japan that had been affected by this devastating earthquake and Tsunami.

[wanderernyth]

We know that Japan can recover(asap) vs to other countries when it comes to tragic events!
but there's another big problem besides that, I think the other question will be, How will the people that were affected will overcome/recover from this? T_T

GBUA! <^ ^>

[ZenNaari]

*Teary eyes* JAPAN!!! You will always be in my prayers!!!

[DrebinJack]

I only can hope my friend there is safe in sound..

[dmario84]

My prayers go to the victims of this natural disaster. Hope the number of casualty will be as minimal as possible if better no casualties at all...

[titichu]

I take back what I said about the casualities...after the tsunami more than 200 bodies were washed ashore in the north of the countries and 400 people are still missing...as night came, part of Sendai started burning, the body count will increased most probably tomorrow...Right now I am deeply saddened and worried...aftershocks keep coming one after another...

[maljsa12]

i do pray that the people in japan would be safe and that no casualties will be reported... and that they can restore to their normal lives.

[statman01]

im from davao, Philippines... my house is near from the shore... the status is.. i don't have seen even a single small of waves here.... the sea is very calm as for now.... but be aware everytime.. ^^

[Bloody Envy]

wew. .so thats why i feel so bad this morning.. T.T i knew something was wrong.. i didn't knew it was this terrible!? T.T

[awnaman123]

That was terrible! .... >....<

Of all the time, why now? T_T

I pray for their safety ...

[momochan1612]

I will be praying for Japan. I was so glad to find out that a friend of mine lives in the south part of Japan and that she is ok. She is staying with a friend. :'O)

[dab117]

Everyone's safety, I will hold dearly in my heart. Everyone please take care of yourself more, as disasters like this can occur at any time, any where. Never take for granted the life you have right now.

[ichimongi123]

I Really hope that everyone is okay! I was terrified when i saw that footage from the news here in the Philippines!

[IceykOpi]

omg. hope for their recovery and pray for the victims

[xorel]

This is terrible!!, the local news is broadcasting some clear recordings, never expected it would be this worse.
under circumstances I hope everything goos well.

and now, lets say or prayers

[request1100]

I hope Japan would return to the way it was...

it is a good thing it didn't reach cebu, philippines, since we just had night swimming earlier...

[FiQ5149]

we can only pray and hope for the best...
disaster come to the time when we are most unexpected..
always..always..be ready for anything..
may god bless them..

[Enma Ai]

no japan,no anime
please be safe japan..and the people at there too of course..

[vaikepois]

o.o Lets create anime likish barrier and defend for upcoming tsunamis and earth quakes!!!

for japan personal use ofc :) Even if whole world gets destroyed japan has to stay!!!!!

[xorel]

Just heard on the news, a new earthquake in japan. 6.6 magnitude, details follow in 30 min.
Again, lets say or prayers for all the people thare

[fu8ar]

Considering what the Japanese people have rebuilt from this past 100 years, I believe it will turn out better than most other countries in that region if hit with the same thing. I'm saddened by the loss of life and hope that it is fewer than what a disaster like this would normally cause. A double whammy with an earthquake & tsunami can be the most destructive type of natural disaster.

[Omikaru]

This is truly horrific, I have friends over there, and I can only hope they are safe and alright.

[credential23]

My deepest condolences to Japan specially to the people that have lost someone in their life. Hopefully the death toll should not rise up anymore.

[mistressmyst]

It's sad to hear of what happened and all the losses. I can only hope and pray that they can recover soon. My heart goes out to Japan and its people...
And also for all the other places that the tsunami is due to go and went already. I hope everyone is safe and can avoid any further casualties.

[AnimeYuio]

NOOO WHY JAPAN >.< I feel so sad....for japan :'(

Good luck japan~ i'll come to visit you again sometime~

And hope there's not too much casulties D:

[takasuryuuji]

I hope everyone will be alright...
and hope that everything will be back to normal soon...
Life is the most important thing over everything else....

[Ryuji]

tough, things like this happens, just hope tht the people that aint DEAD are ok

[Pirocat]

I was shocked and so sad to watch the news today about this terrible event, I hope with all my heart that Japan will recover fast.

[Harm17]

I Feel So Sorry for Japan

[eddy511]

At first i thought it was a flood, then i saw earthquake 8.9 and tsunami and all i thought was this can't be happening man i hope people who lived in the area are o.k.

[beLLX26]

..............
i hope all the animator in japan is safe YY
and the all the citizens there of course....... hmmmmm
don't worry i will pray for you...or them

[yukichan08]

RIP for those who lost their lives in this tragic. Hope Japan will recover soon, as I have planned to go back packing in Japan next year. Actually if I could take days off work now, I would fly to Japan as an aid worker right now.

[aira1234]

Let's pray for those who has affected by the Tsunami,I wish it didn't happen to the japan.

[darkpoetry]

Death toll now past a thousand according to Japanese Media.
Earlier today, two more earthquakes hit two different areas (Nagano and Niigata) these weren't discussed in the media much because the tsunami was what caused the vast majority of the damage.
These places are further inland/closer to the west coast and weren't affected by the tsunami.
My grandmother is in Niigata but can't get in contact yet...

[blamb888]

I've been living here almost two years now and I've never felt anything like it before. I mean, trains are missing. Trains!

[pikel]

I feel horribly for what's happened over there, and I have an idea. If there are any organizations helping out in Japan, would it be possible to start an OS donation drive to give a donation to support them?

[stepdown35]

I hope Japanses Citizen & workers are completely alright i have been watched this New in Philippinews New channel, Japan was terrible Hit by Tunami & 8.9 magnitube Earth quake i hope those Citizen was Alright!

Pray For To Are God to Be Safe Always"

[kyou01]

OH GOSH > < *prays the rosary*

I hope everything will be ok > <;;
I have a lot of relatives in Japan I hope they are safe and until now I still don't have any news to what happened to them TT__TT

[HaruxRabbit]

My friend's grandparents are in Sendai......there's a 50 percent chance that they are one of the 200-300 japanese
bodies in Sendai. I pray for their safety

[evil105]

Hope everything goes back to normal there

BTW check this page you might be able to help them with donations.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170287693024032

[avalon3]

To be honest I feel bad about myself cause when I heard the news at first I thought what about my animes??? then I got ashamed since I didnt think about the people who are damaged and died because of the incident, I was being selfish. I continue to pray for the people in Japan, may they be safe and hopefully recover soon.

日本人－さま　おきおつけて　くだ� �い。　げんきなって　：）

[Kynz15]

To be honest I feel bad about myself cause when I heard the news at first I thought what about my animes??? then I got ashamed since I didnt think about the people who are damaged and died because of the incident, I was being selfish. I continue to pray for the people in Japan, may they be safe and hopefully recover soon.

日本人－さま　おきおつけて　くだ� �い。　げんきなって　：）

@avalon: that is so sad & selfish..thinking only about anime, atleast ur sorry ^_^.

its horrible!..i was in a middle playing s4 when suddenly i heard the TV about tsunami in japan..i was so shock, then i search the internet for videos & news as we watch with my family we are horrified, really mother nature is so powerful...our deepest condolences & prayers for the people/family who have died. its so scary when something like that happened to you @_@, so unexpected...

[ranmachua]

I wonder how much damage has been caused

[tanxcb]

Currently living in Tokyo...worst earthquake since I started living there. Everything should return to normal tomorrow but there's is currently no gaz and some phones aren't working. Still, for such a big magnitude earthquake, Japan suffered relatively little casualities.
Thank goodness you for one are safe. Apparently a friend said something like all the things in her house fell down but she's safe too.

Well, I hope that you all are safe..1600 people dead or missing in Japan now, with nuclear meltdown feared. Luckily Japan was prepared for this or else it could have been worse.. well, hopefully not everyone who's feared dead and missing are found and survived..
My condolences to those who lost their friends and family to the tsunami.

The other countries as well, as well as you all in the Philippines, please heed the evacuation and stay safe.

Erm, I will continue to provide news on this in the chat-box when I am online..like yesterday...

[Juuri]

R.I.P for the people who didn't made it. Prayers and thoughts going out to the victims and helpers there.
Contacted my family, they are all save thank god. My cousin was on Shinjuku station when he felt the quack. He said it was the most terrified quack he had ever felt..

[AniStreamer]

News from tonight death toll has reached 1,700 people and another 10,000 missing from somewhere in Sendai(I'm sorry I can't understand fast speaking japanese) that was swept away with the wave while evacuating.The tsunami came 10 minutes later after the M8.8 quake that shook Japan.A while ago, a building near the nuclear power plant from Fukushima exploded.They started to evacuate residents 20km away from the plant.Four people were reported injured by the explosion.

This is truly devastating and scary.Even though i live at center Chiba prefecture and aftershocks are still happening up until now.This calamity won't even give people time to relax.A lot of lives had been lost.There is nothing to do but pray.Heroes of this calamity is doing everything they could for the people.They are putting their lives on the line.

I pray.Give us strength to be able to pass this devastating lost.R.I.P for all who have lost their loved ones on this calamity.

[AiChan]

Damage from mega quake increasing, death toll feared to top 1,800
TOKYO, March 13, Kyodo

The loss of life and destruction caused by Friday's catastrophic earthquake in Japan grew Saturday, with the combined number of people who have died or remain unaccounted for expected to exceed 1,800, while an explosion occurred at a nuclear power plant injuring four workers.

But the number of victims could increase as authorities struggle to grasp the extent of the devastation in the face of continuing aftershocks and the large areas affected.

The death toll exceeded 687 as of Saturday midnight, a police tally showed, while a further 200 to 300 unidentified bodies were transferred to Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. About 650 people were noted as missing following the 2:46 p.m. quake with a magnitude of 8.8, the strongest ever recorded in Japan.

On top of that figure, Miyagi prefectural officials said Saturday night that there has been no contact with about 10,000 people in Minamisanriku, more than half of the town's population.

In Tokyo, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said about 3,000 people have been rescued since the quake jolted the area. But Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said, ''It is believed that more than 1,000 people have lost their lives.''

The number of evacuees reached some 300,000 in five prefectures, including Iwate and Fukushima, the National Police Agency said. The figure included about 80,000 people living near the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, where one of the reactors partially melted, and the No. 2 plant, which lost its cooling functions.

The Defense Ministry was ready to mobilize 50,000 personnel for relief operations. The Ground Self-Defense Force dispatched a special unit to deal with accidents at the nuclear plants and to help the evacuation of nearby residents.

Fires in residential areas broke out, with Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture experiencing three large-scale fires including one stretching for up to 1 kilometer.

The number of destroyed buildings reached some 3,400, according to the fire agency. The welfare ministry said 181 welfare facilities, including nursing homes, have been damaged.

In Iwate Prefecture, most areas of the coastal city of Rikuzentakata were submerged and tsunami reached as high as the third floor of the city hall. The coastal area of Miyako and almost all of the town of Yamada, both in Iwate, were also submerged.

A municipal official of the town of Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture said, ''More than 90 percent of the houses in three coastal communities have been washed away by tsunami. Looking from the fourth floor of the town hall, I see no houses standing.''

Kan inspected the quake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant after flying there by helicopter. He told an executive of Tokyo Electric Power Co. to take measures to support nearby residents.

Around 5.57 million households had lost power, while more than 1 million households in 18 prefectures had had their water supply cut off.

Meanwhile, strong quakes, one with a magnitude of 6.7 at 3:59 a.m., rocked an inland area on the Sea of Japan coast northwest of Tokyo in the morning, hitting Nagano and Niigata prefectures.

Several aftershocks from the devastating earthquake occurred Saturday night, rocking wide areas of the Tohoku and Kanto regions.

East Japan Railway Co. said it will continue the suspension of bullet train services on the Tohoku, Yamagata and Akita Shinkansen lines, while resuming train operations in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Nine expressways were closed as of Saturday, while 676 domestic flights were cancelled.

The quake has created problems for the manufacturing sector, with Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. planning to suspend production at all their domestic plants on Monday due to difficulties in procuring auto parts.

The Tokyo police said more than 120,000 people in the capital were unable to return home Friday evening due to the suspension of train operations and because of traffic jams.

==Kyodo

* I pray for Japan and for all who have lost their beloved ones on this catastrophic event. I pray for my friend, who is striving and with hope to find his brother, who is still unable to be found.

[aotsukihime]

it's really saddening that this should happen to Japan....It only shows that there are things that are out of our hands and all we can do is to have stronger faith to face everything that will come to us. Im praying for Japan's fast recovery and their safety...I also pray that this catastrophe won't have to happen again...

[Harm17]

There's so many swimming cars

[Rumic]

Luckily I'm nowhere near said area in the Philippines. But I'm still worried about the earthquake. What if it occurs again? Only in a different country then? What then? I shudder to think...

[uaexsaif]

i think if it was anywhere other that than japan.. it would have been more tragic.. its sad that ppl died but its great that the casualties are lower than u would expect from such a quake/tsunami

[solidoxygen]

This earthquake was almost 100 times as strong as the Haiti earthquake. The relatively nominal loss of lives in comparison definitely shows that Japan is way more prepared for something like this.

Don't read the comments on youtube videos about the earthquake or else you will be disgusted by what some idiot children post in the wake of a tragedy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the earthquake.

[uaexsaif]

This earthquake was almost 100 times as strong as the Haiti earthquake. The relatively nominal loss of lives in comparison definitely shows that Japan is way more prepared for something like this.

Don't read the comments on youtube videos about the earthquake or else you will be disgusted by what some idiot children post in the wake of a tragedy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the earthquake.

thanks for the warning.. i really hate it when ignorant ppl act like they know everything.. but mostly ppl actually know but could be so arrogant and heartless and racist.. just pisses me off!

[Tenin]

It reminds me of New Orleans... I really hope Japan can recover faster than they did. Let's all hope for the best for this country and all others in the near future.

[DarkNnoitra]

That anime Magnitude 8.8 became reality =(

So sad...I hope Japan can recover as well as they did after WWII...They're a united people, they overcome this kind of adversity better than anyone else.

Here in Brazil we have millions of japanese descendants who are sending supplies, help and enormous positive thoughts.

Ganbare Nihonjintachi!

[darkpoetry]

This earthquake was almost 100 times as strong as the Haiti earthquake. The relatively nominal loss of lives in comparison definitely shows that Japan is way more prepared for something like this.

Don't read the comments on youtube videos about the earthquake or else you will be disgusted by what some idiot children post in the wake of a tragedy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the earthquake.

Those posts would be thanks to 4chan.
They had a thread going about trolling the videos.

They are predicting a 7.0+ to be hitting within the next three days.
Nuclear radiation fears are growing pretty strong.

[kjkj1212]

I really hope japan recovers from this

[mtrfkrr]

my heart goes out to the people in Japan who lost their homes and families. may god bless each and everyone of them <3

i really hope that they'll recover quickly

[dsdark13]

there very strong people when it comes to earth quakes but i doubt even they could forseen a quake this strong. and the water comming in like that. i hope that they can recover soon

[aotsukihime]

I heard earlier that another nuclear reactor exploded and that 11 people are injured. I'm worried about the children...hope the people there are just fine.

[maho tsukai]

it was so strong!!!!!!!woah!!!!

[terbx04]

Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

[Mei14]

I heard there are estimates of more than 10,000 deaths? *shivers*
I hope the problems with the nuclear plants don't cause another disaster... And the people of Japan had already been irradiated in the past too...

[frozenhopes]

The radiation is causing some troubles for rescuers. Like the American Aircraft carrier near it, its crew was affected by the radiation. Even the government (i think) is telling citizens to stay at home, while evacuating the nearby towns as they fear the radiation would come down with the rain, which can indeed happen, just whether or not it will really happen.

Casualties would be high, there are lots of reports of entire villages wiped out and gone. Thousands of people still missing.

[Tkdvince]

Just Pray.

[fungo]

Aside from praying, we could also send some money via the various charity organizations (Red cross, Salvation Army, world vision, etc.) within your respective countries. Every little bit helps.:goodjob:

[L Lawliet]

oh....

[Doctor Jaeger]

I don't think we'll see the full extent of the damage until late summer. The earthquake has caused a major rift in the Earth's crust and though i've only seen this from one source, there were reports that Earth shifted on it's axis slightly. The oceanic climate change might have a hazardous effect on the ecosystem, and Haruhi only knows what other cataclysms are going to follow.

[fungo]

there were reports that Earth shifted on it's axis slightly.

Actually, every change in the distribution of Earth's mass will shift the rotational axis of the earth. That means, the rotational axis of the Earth changes with every major earthquake, volcano eruption, and/or major tide movement that occurs. Things didn't drastically change after the Haiti, China, India Ocean earthquakes, nor did it happen when the volcano in Iceland erupted. This shouldn't be too much of a concern. On a side note, due to the axis change triggered by the Japan quake, earth days are now shorter.

[terbx04]

lets pray for the souls that lost...

[miyasuke]

japan was almost destroy...help japan..

pray for all japanesse..pls pray them..

[nickster]

Japan! You can do it!

[ranmachua]

I just watched Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 and all I could say that it was bloody similar. Damn it really happened!

[john thunder]

yah all we can do is PRAY!!!!! :kickball:

[uloveme]

Ill pray for Japan

[Joyce]

may god bless Japan can overcome this...

[Yutaka]

R.I.P.
Japan

[Doctor Jaeger]

Bit of an update if everyone's interested. Japan is starting to turn the tides on their nuclear reactor. Last time i checked NPR, the frantic efforts to cool off a badly damaged reactor was starting to show some results, radiation levels were starting to dip, albeit slightly. It looks like if they keep the effort up meltdown may be averted. I'll have to keep my eyes out for more reports, but this nuclear problem wasn't without consequences. There were already concerns about food stores near the damaged plant. I'll keep my eyes on the reports...

[nakahara24]

..kami-sama.onegai please help japan...

[maikihere]

Radiation leaks was getting worse. Please help the people of Japan. I hope my friends and families in Japan are safe.

[kimono031]

It's also apparent the stock market took quite a blow from this as well.

Hopefully Japan can recover, although it might take some time.

[L Lawliet]

its ok for the store owners cause they sell more than before.

[ranmachua]

Even after the tsunami and earthquake in Japan, it seems there are a lot more animes coming out for Spring 2011. Coming out in full force, eh?