By MICHAEL ARNOLD
TOKYO—A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 rocked Japan Friday afternoon, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes, killing at least five and triggering a 10-meter tsunami that violently swept away cars and other objects in its path and shutting down phone lines and transportation in most parts of the country.
The quake was originally reported at a magnitude of 7.9 but was later upgraded to 8.9. That makes it the fifth largest recorded world-wide since 1900, according to the U.S. Geological Service, larger than the 7.9-magnitude Great Kanto Earthquake that devastated Tokyo in 1923 or the 6.8 magnitude quake that hit Kobe in 1995. [MORE]
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Here is a list of the earthquakes located by the USGS and contributing networks for the 10-degree Map Centered at 40°N, 140°E. Most recent events are at the top. (Some early events may be obscured by later ones on the map.) Click on the date portion of an earthquake record in the list below for more information. [MORE]
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A 33ft tsunami has killed at least 19 people as it swept over Japan’s northeastern coast after a 8.9 magnitude megaquake near the capital Tokyo
The huge wave hit the port of Sendai city, sending ships crashing into the shore and carrying cars and buildings through streets.
Mass evacuations are taking place after tsunami warnings were issued for the entire Pacific coast.
And the tsunami set off by the quake is currently higher than some Pacific islands it could wash over, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said.
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