A tsunami that has caused extensive damage has been triggered by a massive earthquake in the north-east of Japan.
According to news reports, Japanese television showed cars, ships and even buildings being swept away by a vast wall of water after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake.
The BBC News said the quake has sparked fires in several areas including Tokyo, and numerous casualties are feared.
The first number of casualty has been put at 19. However, the toll could be much higher.
The earthquake struck about 250 miles (400km) from the capital at a depth of 20 miles. There have been powerful aftershocks, reports said. The tremor hit at 1446 local time (0546 GMT). According to seismologists, it is one of the largest earthquakes to hit Japan in many years.
Several countries have been sounded out of the tsunami. The warning was extended to the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Pacific coast of Russia and Hawaii.
In a release the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the wave could extend as far as Chile.
Japan’s NHK television showed a massive surge of debris-filled water sweeping away buildings, cars and ships and reaching far inland. TV footage showed motorists trying to speed away from the wall of water.
Farmland around the coastal city of Sendai was submerged and the waves pushed cars across the runway of the city’s airport.
Pray the severity of tsunami is lessened. Pray for the people of Japan – that the Lord may protect their lives and property. Pray for relief agencies to quickly reach the affected areas. Pray that nations will join together to help each other in this time of crisis.
