|
A tsunami caused by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean hit coastal cities in Japan on Friday afternoon, destroying homes and buildings, and sweeping away cars and ships.
The quake originated approximately 400 km off the northeast coast of Tokyo, causing a 10-metre high wave to roll across the ocean at more than 800 km/hour.
Tsunami warnings were also issued to more than 50 Pacific Rim countries, including Guam, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Micronesia, Hawaii, Australia, and the North American west coast on Friday.
As of Friday afternoon, officials estimated 350 people dead and 500 missing, but feared the death toll would climb as time went on.
Nippon Institute of Technology Director Phil Cann told the Pass Herald on Friday that the school was still waiting to hear back from families of students who live in the Tokyo area.
|
One student, whose family lives about 50 km outside of Tokyo, was informed that his parents’ home was in very bad shape as a result of the wave.
“It’s been scary for our students,” said Cann. “We’re very concerned.”
Fortunately, Cann said as of Friday, the school hadn’t heard of any fatalities which affected its students.
The quake was the fifth-largest in the world since 1900, and the largest in Japanese recorded history, approximately 8,000 times stronger than the one which hit Christchurch, New Zealand in February.
The city of Sendai was the worst hit, with 10 metre high waves wiping out buildings, deluging farmland, and causing fires to break out in the city’s centre.
Between 200 and 300 bodies were found in Sendai alone.
Those who wish to donate to the Canadian Red Cross relief fund are encouraged to text 30333 to REDCROSS, and a donation of $10 will be applied to your phone bill.
|
