Japan rocked by major quake, tsunami; at least 60 killed 03/12/2011

Japan rocked by major quake, tsunami; at least 60 killed

03/12/2011
TOKYO — A massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit northeast Japan yesterday, setting a nuclear plant ablaze, unleashing a 10-meter tsunami that tossed ships inland and leaving at least 60 persons reported dead and 56 others missing.

Police in Iwate prefecture, near the epicenter, confirmed the deaths of 17 persons there.

It was the strongest earthquake ever to hit Japan. Police said many others were injured in Tokyo and coastal areas of the main Honshu island while television footage showed scenes of utter devastation and flooding.

A monster 10-meter tsunami wave hit near Sendai City where a tide of black water sent shipping containers, cars and debris crashing through streets and across open farmland, destroying everything in its path.

Tokyo said the tsunami and quake, which was felt as far away as Beijing, some 2,500 kilometers away had caused “tremendous damage” while aerial footage showed massive flooding in northern towns..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110312hed2.html