"Devastating"

5 Adar II 5771


8.9-magnitude quake triggers devastating Japan tsunami; At least 5 deaths confirmed; homes, cars, buildings swept away by waves

TOKYO — A magnitude 8.9 earthquake slammed Japan's northeastern coast Friday, unleashing a 13-foot tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland. Fires triggered by the quake burned out of control up and down the coast.

...A tsunami warning was also issued for Hawaii and the coasts of Oregon, California, Washington and parts of Alaska.

"A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along the coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center's bulletin said. "Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property."

...Thirty minutes after the quake, tall buildings were still swaying in Tokyo and mobile phone networks were not working.
The tsunami roared over embankments in Sendai city, washing cars, houses and farm equipment inland before reversing directions and carrying them out to sea. Flames shot from some of the houses, probably because of burst gas pipes.

Water that moves 'as fast as a jet engine'

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