TOKYO - THE 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast of north-east Japan spawned a ferocious tsunami that's caused massive destruction; flattening whole towns, starting raging fires, and killing thousands of people.
The following is a list of key events since the two natural disasters devastated north-eastern Japan on Friday (March 11):
The following is a list of key events since the two natural disasters devastated north-eastern Japan on Friday (March 11):
- Friday, March 11:
- An undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9, one of the most powerful ever recorded, strikes off Japan's north-eastern coast just before 3.00pm local time (2pm Singapore time). The authorities issued a tsunami warning.
- A 10m tsunami wave smashes over the north-eastern Japanese coast, causing massive damage and flooding. A series of aftershocks follows, many exceeding a magnitude of 7.0.
- Japanese authorities announce that four nuclear power stations in quake-hit areas have been shut down. Eventually 11 of the nation's roughly 50 plants stop producing power.
- The US Geological Service announces the quake was the most powerful to hit Japan since records began.
Saturday, March 12:
