by Rachel Dillin
Member since:
January 28, 2010

Japan Earthquake 8.8 Magnitude Causes Major Tsunami Damage

March 11, 2011 02:05 AM UTC
2 people recommend this | comments: 54

An 8.8 magnitude Japan earthquake hit just before 3 p.m. local time. A tsunami warning was issued, and unfortunately, there has been major damage caused by the 13 feet swell.

Early reports put the quake at 7.9, but the USGS updated the Japan earthquake to 8.8. There has also been at least one major aftershock that initially measured 7.4 magnitude -- it hit just 30 minutes after the first trembler.

The 13-foot tsunami ended up washing away both cars and buildings along the edge of the coast it washed up on. In Kesennuma City, a large ship was swept away. There is also massive flooding and damage near the epicenter.

As of now, officials in Japan are unsure what the total damage and death toll is from this massive Japan earthquake. The footage coming out of the region shows that the damage, at least, appears to be severe. Reports say that buildings in Tokyo were still swaying thirty minutes after the initial quake. That is amazing and shocking.

This 8.8 magnitude Japan earthquake is one of several that has hit the region in recent days. Hopefully the tsunami warning came in time to keep people safe. The cleanup is likely to be difficult over the coming days.

Japan Earthquake 8.8 Magnitude Causes Major Tsunami Damage

© Copyright: News Today Online by Kate James at Gather.com

Comments: 54

Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:17am UTC
Japan Earthquake today upgraded to 8.9 magnitude. Total devastation in Japan after tsunami.
Evonne Chung Mar 11, 2011, 3:13am UTC
hello, may i know which area of japan?
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:13am UTC
The earthquake was near Tokyo. However, the tsunami hit the norther coast.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:15am UTC
Japan earthquake today: The quake struck at a depth of six miles, about 80 miles off the eastern coast. The area is 240 miles northeast of Tokyo.

Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:18am UTC
Japan earthquake today likely the 4th or 5th largest in modern times.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:19am UTC
Japan earthquake spawns tsunami watch for Hawaii. It could arrive near 3 a.m. Hawaii time. US West coast not under watch yet.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:20am UTC
Japan earthquake today - cars floating everywhere. Serious devastation. It is awful.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:32am UTC
Japan earthquake today - fires burning throughout Tokyo.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:32am UTC
Japan earthquake today - injuries reported. Survivors waiving white flags and standing on rooftops.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:33am UTC
Japan earthquake today - government promises human life the top priority.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:34am UTC
Japan earthquake today - tsunami concerns for Russia and Hawaii.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:34am UTC
Japan earthquake today - international community will have to come together to help with rescue efforts.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:37am UTC
Japan earthquake today - tsunami warning now for Hawaii. It could hit around 3 a.m. in Hawaii. What a disaster! Hopefully people are aware.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:39am UTC
Japan earthquake today - tsunami warning is Pacific-wide.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:40am UTC
Japan earthquake today: 8:34 gmt to Russia coast tsunami arrival.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:41am UTC
Japen earthuake today: 15:28 GMT tsunami arrival in Australia.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:41am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Aftershock hits Tokyo 6.8 magnitude.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:42am UTC
Japan earthquake today: 8.9 magnitude quake the 7th largest in recorded history.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:43am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Evacuation advice - if you are near the Pacific coastline in the region, you need to move to higher ground calmly and orderly.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:45am UTC
Japan earthquake today: PM is asking citizens to provide help for each other to minimize the damage caused by the devastating quake. Please remain calm.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:46am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Buildings continue shaking every once in a while. Unbelievable!
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:48am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Tokyo transportation at a halt. Also, phones are not working and computer connections are difficult. People are having a tough time getting home safely.
john LaRue Mar 11, 2011, 2:50am UTC
Getting home, thousands have no home, thousands more need no home, they are already dead! There should be a Tsunami warning for the west coast of US.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:55am UTC
So far they haven't issued the warning for the west coast. Hawaii has a warning.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:51am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Rail lines are shut down. People are starting to feel concerned about loved ones.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 2:55am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Many homes have been swept away. So far there is no official word on damage or death toll.
john LaRue Mar 11, 2011, 2:58am UTC
The most amazing video I have ever seen. The water just kept coming for miles, across farmland, small towns, levees and highways. In the background, a huge river flowing backwards. Cars trying to get away and not making it. Media estimate 5,000 deaths based on Kobe. I hope I am wrong but I think many more. All the water that flowed in will have to flow back, that is just as devaastating and even more deadly.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 3:02am UTC
I know. The water will not stop flowing. It is terrible :( Absolutely crushing.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 3:00am UTC
Japan earthquake today: It doesn't appear as if the earthquake caused major damage. It was the tsunami that has caused such massive problems.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 3:04am UTC
Japan earthquake today: The footage is unbelievable. Crushing water flowing everywhere. Cars, buildings, houses, everything simply swept away and pushed inland. There is no telling how many people were not evacuated from the region. It is just horrible.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 3:19am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Major oil refinery east of Toyko burning out of control.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 3:20am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Unknown number of people missing. At least 14 confirmed dead in Northern Japan with death tolls expected to rise.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 3:22am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Tsunami warning sirens sounded in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 3:24am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warning for Hawaii also includes Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Central and South America - AP
Siva Kumar Mar 11, 2011, 3:36am UTC
Hi Can any one have help line number to find the victims??
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:06am UTC
I will look for one.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:16am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Japan person finder.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 11:25am UTC
#prayforjapan - call 1-800-REDCROSS to get information on U.S. citizens in Japan.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 11:41am UTC
#prayforjapan - japanemergencyusc@state.gov pacifictsunamiusc@state.gove are additional emails to find people.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:06am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Tsunami expected to hit San francisco at 11:16, Santa Monican 11:39, Seattle, Washington 11:44 a.m., Newport Beach 11:45 a.m. All times are local.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:08am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Tsunami swells will circle the islands in Hawaii, so going from one side of the island to the other isn't helpful. Moving to higher ground is the best help.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:09am UTC
Japan earthquake today: So far 100s of people found dead in Japan after devastating tsunami hit region.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:13am UTC
Japan earthquake today: 'Nuclear emergency' declared after problems at Japanese plant
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:16am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Japan person finder.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 9:24am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Cooling system failed at Fukushima No. 1 plant after quake. Fire reported at Onagawa nuclear facility. People living near both facilities have been told to get out now. This is a nuclear emergency in Japan. 7 nuclear plants have been shut down in Japan.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 10:25am UTC
Japan earthquake today: Good news. No radiation is leaking from any nuclear plant in Japan. They were shut down as a precaution. There is a state of emergency at Fukushima though because of the cooling system failure.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 11:07am UTC
#prayforjapan - Tsunami has begin rolling in and hitting U.S. west coast. Rescue efforts underway in Japan after 8.9 magnitude earthquake, which is worst in history of Japan.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 11:20am UTC
#prayforjapan - Fukushima not leaking, which is good news.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 11:21am UTC
#prayforjapan - text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $10 to the rescue efforts after the 8.9 magnitude Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 11:23am UTC
#prayforjapan - #tsunami hitting U.S. Damage unknown at this point.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 11:26am UTC
#prayforjapan - Oil prices going down after 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan. That is unexpected.
Rachel Dillin Mar 11, 2011, 11:41am UTC
#prayforjapan - 8.9 magnitude earthquake shook the region for at least 2 minutes if not more. Reports are variable.
Sam Carana Mar 12, 2011, 3:42am UTC
Also see my post Japan faces Nuclear Meltdown?

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