A massive earthquake has hit the north-east of Japan, triggering a tsunami that has caused extensive damage. Japanese television showed cars, ships and even buildings being swept away by a vast wall of water after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake. The quake has sparked fires in several areas including Tokyo. At least 32 people were killed, officials said. It struck about 250 miles (400km) from the capital at a depth of 20 miles. There has been powerful aftershocks.The tremor, measured at 8.9 by the US Geological Survey, hit at 1446 local time (0546 GMT). Seismologists say it is one of the largest earthquakes to hit Japan for many years.
When the earthquake hit, buildings in Tokyo swayed. Walking was like crossing the deck of a ship at sea. People poured down from their offices and stood in the street staring up. A large fire seemed to have broken out in one part of the city and, in another place; injured people were being brought out of a station. The authorities immediately issued a tsunami warning.
In Tokyo, public transport has been suspended, elevators are switched off in many buildings and thousands of people have gathered in squares and around train stations. A tsunami warning was extended across the Pacific to North and South America. The Red Cross in Geneva warned that the tsunami waves could be higher than some Pacific islands, Reuter’s news agency said. Coastal areas in the Philippines, Hawaii and other Pacific islands were evacuated ahead of the tsunami's expected arrival. New Zealand later downgraded its alert to a marine threat, meaning strong and unusual currents were expected.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen
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