Massive Earthquake and Tsunami Hits Japan

Japan was hit by an enormous earthquake on March 11, 2011, that triggered a deadly 23-foot tsunami in the country's north. The giant waves some cities and rural areas alike, sweeping away cars, homes, buildings, a train, and boats, leaving a path of death and devastation in its wake. The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake, which struck about 230 miles northeast of Tokyo, had a magnitude of 8.9, which is the largest in Japan's history. Initial casualty figures put the number of deaths at 600, but hundreds are still missing.

The government declared a state of emergency and evacuated residents from the area surrounding the Fukushima nuclear power plant after its cooling system failed in a reactor. On Saturday afternoon about 26 hours after the earthquake, an explosion at the facility caused one of the buildings to crumble to the ground. Officials feared that a meltdown may occur, and radioactive material was detected outside the plant. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued warnings for Russia, Taiwan, Hawaii, Indonesia, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and the west coasts the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and South America.

We should pray for Japan :))

resource: http://www.infoplease.com/science/weather/japan-tsunami-2011.html