JAPAN HIT BY 8.9 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE

The massive earth quake that struck off the coast of Japan was felt 150 kilometers away, some as far as Beijing and caused enormous tsunamis of up to 10 feet. The effects of these tsunamis will be felt in over 50 countries in the pacific and people living off the coastline have been advised to seek shelter at higher ground. The USGS reported 11 aftershocks after the quake some of which measured like a real earthquake. They were felt a few minutes after the initial quake. 

The effects have seen a firebreak breakout at an oil refinery in the Northeast of Tokyo as well as some areas around Tokyo. Tsunami hits have washed away homes, cars, houses, boats, fields and infrastructure. The Yen has fallen sharply after the quake signaling economic distress. The 2004 earthquake in Thailand and Indonesia hit a high of 9.1.

Japan has issued 6 meter tsunami warnings after the quake. The next country to be hit is Taiwan at 9.40 GMT and people are being warned in advance. Japan's Prime Minister has called for calm and cooperation as the government tries to sort out the disaster. The city's public transport system in Japan is stalled and power has been cut to 4 million homes in Tokyo. Its rush hour there and millions of people have been stranded in the city.

The entire west coast of the United States and Canada has received a tsunami alert.