by Jane Fazackarley

Created on: March 13, 2011

On March 11, at approximately 5:45am GMT, an earthquake hit the north-east coast of Japan.  The earthquake, which measured 8.9 on the Richter scale, was the worst that Japan has experienced but it was the ensuing tsunami which caused mass devastation and has completely destroyed the fishing town of Minami Sanriku.

It is reported that 10,000 people from the town are missing.  So far 1300 people have been confirmed dead and these figures are set to rise as the rescue efforts get into full force.

The massive waves, a result experts say of several tsunami's, destroyed pretty much anything in their path and swept away houses, businesses, trains and ships.  Newspaper pictures showed a young woman crouched next to her son as the water came closer.  Their fate is currently unknown.

There was at least one piece of good news from Friday.  A ship carried away by the waves with 81 people on board was later found and all of the passengers were lifted to safety.

Tsunami warnings lit up across the Pacific Ocean and countries such as Russia were, for a while, thought to be at threat from the crashing waves but they lost their power and didn't hit as hard as some people feared they might.  The tsunami did hit California however, the waves had reduced to 7 foot as opposed to the thirty foot waves that had hit Japan, but they were still strong enough to leave one man dead after he was swept away.

The north-east coast of Japan currently lies in devastation as some 100,000 troops begin the recovery efforts which will continue for some time to come.

Areas of Japan have been left in darkness and without water for days and appeals have already begun by the likes of the Red Cross.  Amazon are also offering the opportunity to donate.  The UK, US and other countries have offered Japan their assistance in its hour of need and rescue agencies in the UK are prepared should they be called on to help.

The Queen and British Prime Minister have offered their condolences to the people of Japan.  In a statement published on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, The Queen said:

"I was saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life caused by the earthquake which has struck North East Japan today. Prince Philip joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to Your Majesty and the people of Japan. Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the dreadful disaster."

And David Cameron said:

"The first thing we should be thinking about today is sending our sympathies and our condolences to the Japanese people. We've had a terrible reminder of the destructive power of nature and everyone should be thinking of that country and their people, and I've asked immediately that our Government should look at what we can do to help."

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