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40 Killed in Major Tsunami After 8
40 Killed in Major Tsunami After 8
Authorities said at least 40 people were killed and 39 missing after the magnitude 8.9
offshore quake unleashed a 23-foot (7-meter) tsunami. The quake was followed by at
least 19 aftershocks, most of them of more than magnitude 6.0. The death toll was likely
to continue climbing given the scale of the disaster.
"The earthquake has caused major damage in broad areas in northern Japan," Prime
Minister Naoto Kan said at a news conference.
Japan issued a state of emergency at a nuclear power plant after its cooling system had a
mechanical failure. Trouble was reported at two other nuclear plants as well but there was
no radiation leak at any.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said the measure at the nuclear power plant in
Fukushima was a precaution and that the facility was not in immediate danger.
Even for a country used to earthquakes, this one was of horrific proportions because of
the tsunami that crashed ashore, swallowing everything on its way as it marched several
miles (kilometers) inland before retreating.
Large fishing boats and other sea vessels rode high waves into the cities, slamming
against overpasses or scraping under them, snapping power lines along the way.
Upturned and partially submerged vehicles were seen bobbing in the water. Ships
anchored in ports crashed against each other.
I believe this is another horrible disaster that is part of a global disaster this year.