Breaking: Tsunami hits Japan and Pacific area after massive earthquake

This is terrifying. A massive 8.9 earthquake hit Japan this morning, causing a 10-meter tsunami that has reportedly killed hundreds and is anticipated to affect other nations across the Pacific:

A ferocious tsunami spawned by one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded slammed Japan’s eastern coast today, killing hundreds of people as it swept away boats, cars and homes while widespread fires burned out of control. Tsunami warnings blanketed the entire Pacific, as far away as South America, Canada, Alaska and the entire U.S. West Coast.

The death toll was likely to continue climbing given the scale of the disaster.

The magnitude 8.9 offshore quake unleashed a 23-foot tsunami and was followed by more than 50 aftershocks for hours, many of them of more than magnitude 6.0.

U.S. President Barack Obama voiced condolences to Japan today for the people who perished in a massive earthquake, saying the United States “stands ready to help” in any way it can.

The earthquake was the fifth most powerful worldwide in the past century. Our thoughts are with Japan and all of our world citizens affected; we’ll keep folks posted as more news comes in.

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