Japan: Tsunami Strikes Coast, Leaves Nothing in Wake

Written by Chris Salzberg

Following the country’s largest earthquake in recorded history, Japan is being hit by it’s most ferocious tsunami. People across the country are glued to their TV screens as scenes of a tsunami measuring more than 7 meters in height sweeping away cars and buildings flashes across the news. Meanwhile, other parts of the world are bracing for the worst, with Hawaii ordering an evacuation of coastal areas and warnings issued in at least other 20 countries. The Guardian is posting live updates on the disaster.

Map of tsunami from news24.jp:

Map of tsunami in Japan from news24.jp

A picture of a giant whirlpool in Ibaraki (via @gakuranman):

Just a sampling of messages on Twitter.

Tinystar323 writes:

津波は「波」じゃなくて、「コンクリートの壁が猛スピードで突っ込んでくる物」だと思って下さい。人間にどうにか出来る代物じゃないです。絶対に興味本位で見に行ったりしないで下さい。

An unconfirmed report from @nishi_0024 claiming that the Pacifico Yokohama convention center is not accepting people anymore:

【緊急拡散】パシフィコ横浜は津波の危険があるため、受け入れ中止だそうです！

From @edamamicky, a victim of the tsunami:

津波被害あり。自宅2階にて母と弟と近所の男性一名と救助を待っています。怪我はありません。1階は浸水して自力では外に出れません。電話も繋がりません。

For up-to-the-minute coverage of the earthquake aftermath, follow NHK’s official ustream.

This post is part of our special coverage Japan Earthquake 2011.