In my lifetime I don't think I have ever heard of an earthquake of this magnitude. My prayers goes out to Japan.
New York Times: TOKYO — An 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan on Friday, the strongest ever recorded in the country and one of the largest anywhere in the last century. The quake churned up a devastating tsunami that swept over cities and farmland in the northern part of the country and set off warnings as far away as the West Coast of the United States and South America. [MORE]The Associated Press is reporting hundreds killed and missing after the massive tsunami struck.
Police said 200 to 300 bodies were found in the northeastern coastal city of Sendai, the city in Miyagi prefecture, or state, closest to the epicenter. Another 137 were confirmed killed, with 531 people missing. Police also said 627 people were injured.
The magnitude-8.9 offshore quake unleashed a 23-foot (seven-meter) tsunami and was followed for hours by more than 50 aftershocks, many of them of more than magnitude 6.0. [MORE]The New York Times has stunning images and video of the quake and its aftermath.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: The New York Times
Via: Associated Press