Tsunami Causes Major Damage in Northern Japan After 8.9 Quake.It was originally measured at 7.9 by Japan's meteorological agency but was later upgraded to 8.9.
Aftershocks continued to rock the region as images on Japanese television showed cars and boats being swept away by tsunami waters.
"The earthquake has caused major damage in broad areas in northern Japan," Prime Minister Naoto Kan said during an emergency news conference. "Some of the nuclear power plant in the region have automatically shut down, but there as no leakage of radioactive materials to the environment."
Several areas were submerged in water and buildings engulfed in flames.
In Tokyo, building shook and trains were halted during the middle of the workday.
At least 10 fires have been reported in Tokyo and Tokyo Disneyland's parking lot has been flooded.
Japanese officials had no immediate details on injuries and fatalities, according to the Associated Press.
A tsunami warning has been issued for the country's pacific coast along with Hawaii, Russia, North Marianas, Indonesia, Australia and the south American pacific coast including Mexico, Chile and Peru according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the Associated Press reported.
A tsunami watch has been issued for Taiwan, the Philippines and Guam.
If the tsunami waves hit Hawaii, the estimated arrival of the initial wave is 2:59 a.m. HST Friday, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
"This is a very seismically active area off the east coast of japan that has produced a number of large quakes in the past," said Randy Baldwin at the national earthquake center in Golden, Colorado.
Japan's foreign minister has ordered officials to start preparing to accept foreign assistance and told them to check on the safety of foreigners living here in country according to NHK TV.
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