Tsunami hits Japan after 8.9 magnitude earthquake

by Steve Ragan - Mar 11 2011, 08:20

On Friday, just before 06:00 GMT, north eastern Japan was rocked by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake. The resulting tsunami, reaching reported heights of more than seven meters, with smaller waves hitting the nation shortly after, has caused an untold number of injuries and at least eight deaths, but that number is unfortunately expected to rise.

The the earthquake, felt as far away as Beijing and the fifth largest since 1900, was centered about 250 miles north of the capitol. Tokyo is still dealing with aftershocks, one of them registering 7.2 magnitude.

Rail service in Tokyo is out, as well as other transportation services. The city of 13 million people has come to a standstill. There is smoke in parts of the city, and reports of people being trapped under the streets in the rail stations.

“City is in absolute disarray,” said a commenter on Twitter who was speaking about the situation in Tokyo.

While the people in Tokyo, caught mid-workday, have remained calm for the most part, they are unsure of what to do.

The Prime Minister of Japan has issued a statement that said the country is doing everything it can to tackle this disastrous event, asking the people to help each other and help minimize the damage. The bottom line of his message was to ask people to remain vigilant and calm. If possible, seek high ground.

As a result of Japan's earthquake, Russia, Taiwan, Guam, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii have all been place on alert. In addition, warnings and watches were also issued for Oregon, Washington, California, and parts of Alaska.

On the Nikkei, futures fell five percent and the Yen started a downward trend as well. The exchange has remained open in Japan, but phone outages are making trading difficult.

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