JAPAN–(ENEWSPF)–A magnitude 8.9 earthquake struck Japan at approximately 12:46 a.m. (EST). At least 60 people have been killed with more than 50 people currently reported as missing. The 8.5 quake is one of the largest ever reported.
The quake unleashed a 23-foot tsunami along Japan’s east coast and was followed by more than 20 aftershocks for hours, most of them of more than magnitude 6.0. The tsunami swept away boats, cars and homes. Widespread uncontrolled fires are reported to be burning out of control.
Japan issued a state of emergency at a nuclear power plant after its cooling system had a mechanical failure. There are no reports of any nuclear leaks at present according to Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano.
Tsunami warnings have been issued for the entire Pacific including Hawaii and the west coast of the United States.
Source: CNN News
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