BREAKING NEWS: An 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit 150 kilometers off the coast of Japan just over an hour and thirty minutes ago. It was initally said to be an 8.8 magnitude quake, but has just been upgraded to an 8.9 magnitude earthquake. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake's epicenter was 373 kilometers (231 miles) from Tokyo. An aftershock of 6.4 magnitude was felt just minutes after the initial quake.
Japan has issued a tsunami alert of 6-10 meters to the wide area around Japan's Pacific coast, including Russia, Guam, Marianas and other areas. The National Weather Service said, "Earthquakes of this size are known to generate tsunamis potentially dangerous to coasts outside the source region." Japan is expecting many more tsunamis. Tokyo has not seen anything like this in decades.
Several buildings are on fire and smoke can be seen from many places. Yen fell sharply after the quake.
People are asked to please not go by the waters, but to move to higher ground as soon as possible. Numerous injuries have been reported in Miyagi. Tweets have come into CNN news relaying deaths due to this natural disaster. People are frantic in the area just waiting to see what is going to happen next. They are trying to use cell phones to call relatives and loved ones. It is tragic to see mud covering homes that are more than likely to be occupied. There have already been 3-4 aftershocks to the area. Although the people of Japan are aware of tsunamis, they are still terrified of the unknown.
Matt Alt, Tokyo earthquake witness shared over the phone with CNN news what was going on and that Tokyo has not felt something this strong ever before. It is very difficult to communicate in Tokyo, as cell phone signals are very hard to get. Most transportation has been stopped. It is very odd to see one of the biggest cities in the world come to a halt. It is too soon to report on casualties.
May God bless these people...Amen...♥♥♥
