The quake struck 382km northeast of Tokyo at 2.46pm local time (4.46pm AEDST), and was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including one of 7.4-magnitude about 30 minutes later.
The US Geological Survey rated the strength of the first quake as a magnitude 8.9, while Japan’s meteorological agency measured it at 8.4.
Officials have warned of more tsunamis to come.
A massive surge of water has caused swathes of devastation across Japan, after an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off shore, prompting a four-metre tsunami.
Footage from a helicopter on public broadcaster NHK Japan showed water washing away farms and homes in Miyagi prefecture.
Cars could be seen trying to drive away from the rapidly moving water.
TO HELP, PLEASE CONTACT THESE MISSIONARIES
Baptist Bible Fellowship Missionaries to Japan
Tony & Debbie Evans – email:suzurantony@ybb.ne.jp
Steve & Melinda Sissions – email:stevejap@hotmail.com
Michael & Cindy Burgett – email:MikeBurgett@bbfi.org
Bobby & Kay Finch – email:drbdfinch@aol.com
Robert & Mariko Barley – email:pray4barleysjapan@yahoo.co.jp
James & Amy Smith – email:gateway2japan@hotmail.com
Lavern & Clara Rodgers – email:irodgers@mub.biglobe.ne.jp
Bill & Barbara Neel – email: Billneel@bbfi.org
George & Ellen King – email:king@jbbf.org
Ruth King – email:ruthking@jbbf.org
Bob & Sandy Piatt – email:bobpiatt@asahi-net.email.ne.jp
Deneen Akers – email:deneen_akers@hotmail.com
Ken Board – email:kyushuken@rc4.so-net.ne.jp
