God help everyone in that area and around the Pacific who may be affected by a tsunami.

Incomprehensible destructive force. The video and photos coming out of there -- especially the tsunami -- are stunning. Tokyo is severely affected as well. I've been on the 23rd floor of a hotel there when a minor tremor occurred and the sway was visible. Cannot imagine being in that city for this. Thoughts and prayers for everyone in that region.

U.S. west coasters be on the lookout, Oregon is anticipating tsunami waves as high as 6 feet. 300 years ago, Japan experienced waves from the estimated 9.0 quake that hit off the Pacific Northwest, that's how the date of that quake was pinpointed despite the sparse population at that time.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110311/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_earthquake

"...the magnitude 8.9 offshore quake was followed by at least 19 aftershocks, most of them of more than magnitude 6.0."

"...Even for a country used to earthquakes, this one was of horrific proportions. It unleashed a 23-foot (7-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland."


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424..._LEFTTopStories

The quake, one of the five biggest in history with a magnitude of 8.9, caused mass panic around Tokyo, where workers evacuated their buildings and power was cut off at 4.1 million households in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures.

...Twitter proved to be one of the best ways to contact loved ones and get updates on the quake.

Unable to use cellphones, many used their smartphones to tune into television broadcasts and find out what had happened.