8.9 Magnitude Earthquake Offshore Japan

An 8.9 magnitude earthquake occurred offshore of Honshu, Japan, on Friday, March 11, 2011, at 14:26 local time. This is the largest earthquake the country has ever experienced, and the seventh largest ever recorded. It occurred 382 km northeast of Tokyo.

The towns along a 2,100-km range of eastern coastline of Honshu were affected by the earthquake and its 19 aftershocks, most of which were greater than 6.0 magnitude. A 7-metre tsunami was launched which carried cars, boats, and even planes inland. At least 60 people have been killed.

Tsunami warnings have been issued for the west coast of South America, the west coast of the U.S., Hawaii, New Zealand, and other areas in the Pacific: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

More News:
Earthquake: Japan Hit by 8.9 Earthquake/Japan Tsunami Warning (Sydney Morning Herald)