For Japan, used to frequent earthquakes of powerful proportions, this one seemed to be so devastating that the tidal waves swept fishing boats, cars and buildings that were seen bobbing in the water. Several other boats and ships were lying on their
sides.
Stunning TV footage showed the tsunami carrying the debris and fires across Sendai, home to more than 10 lakh people.
The disaster also left the entire region in dark without power while nuclear power stations shut automatically. Over 300 have been reportedly killed.
In Tokyo, subway system stopped following the quake, sirens wailed and people rushed out of the buildings. But cold conditions outside forced people to go back into homes for warmth.
The quake sparked fires in several areas including Tokyo and there had also been powerful aftershocks. Tsunami waves that hit Japan”s Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures caused “tremendous damage”, officials said.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the quake caused “major damage in broad areas” but nuclear power plants were not affected.
“Our government will make all-out efforts to minimise the damage caused by the earthquake,” he told a hurriedly-called press conference.
Kan asked the public to stay calm and asserted that there were no reports of radiation leak from the areas housing nuclear plants.
US Ambassador to Japan John Roos said that US forces stationed in the country were ready to work with authorities here to help them cope with the massive earthquake.
“I want to have the Defence Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces work with the US military if necessary,” Japanese Defence Minister Toshimi Kitazawa was quoted as saying at the outset of an emergency meeting held at the ministry.
The tsunami warning was also extended to the Pacific coast of Russia and Hawaii. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said the waves could extend as far as Chile.
The Japanese government sent the Self-Defense Force to Miyagi Prefecture following a request from Governor Yoshihiro Murai after the powerful quake hit the region, where a major blackout occurred across a wide area.
Kyodo said the Narita airport was temporarily shut down and people were asked to evacuate terminals. After a short break, the airport opened for departing flights.
Thousands of people were stranded at Narita and Haneda airport terminals. More than 700 domestic flights were cancelled.
Fire department officials in Osaki, Miyagi prefecture, said they received at least 20 reports of injuries. People had been hit by falling objects and trapped under debris.
In Tokyo”s Chiyoda ward, about 10 people were injured when part of the roof of a hall collapsed, police said.
Tokyo stocks fell sharply, with the Nikkei hitting a five-week closing low following the quake.
MoneyControl
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