This Sunday March 11, 2012 marks a year ago this tragedy occurred in Japan. I remember uploading a video at approximately 3:00 am New York time. I watched this unfold on Live TV and could not believe it! I later made 3 videos to help raise money anyway I can. Please help the people of Japan by making a donation to the American Red Cross Text 90999 to make a quick donation of $10 to the American Red Cross or visit their website American Red Cross website: http://www.redcross. org The American Red Cross (ARC), also known as the American National Red Cross, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States. It is the designated U.S. affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; communications services and comfort for military members and their family members; the collection, processing and distribution of blood and blood products; educational programs on preparedness, health, and safety; and international relief and development programs. Watch various videos from the BBC NEWS Asia/Pacific http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12725646 Watch live coverage from the BBC News link below: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698 Live coverage & videos from The Telegraph link below: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8375373/Japan-earthquake-live.html Live coverage & videos from Herald Sun link below: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-reports/japan-earthquake-tsunami Magnitude 8.9 earthquake rocks Japan The quake strikes off the northeast coast of Japan, and a tsunami follows, sweeping away cars, boats and even buildings. People in Tokyo tell of 'shaking and rocking.' Reporting from Beijing and Tokyo An 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan on Friday, shaking office buildings in Tokyo and setting off a devastating tsunami that swept away cars and boats. The quake — the world's fifth largest since 1900, according to the U.S. Geological Survey — struck at 2.46 p.m. local time. There were reports of injuries in Tokyo as officials tried to assess damage, injuries and deaths from the quake and tsunami, but there were no immediate details. Japanese television showed aerial footage of an ominous 13-foot muddy wave washing across land along the northeastern coast near the epicenter. In various locations, live TV coverage showed massive damage from the tsunami, with dozens of cars, boats and even buildings being carried along by waters. A large ship swept away by the tsunami rammed into a breakwater in Kesennuma city in Miyagi prefecture. Waves could be seen splashing into city streets and over bridges. All trains in Tokyo were stopped, and black plumes of smoke rose over the skyline. Office workers rushed out of their buildings. Subways were halted, trapping commuters underground. In the nation with the world's third-largest economy, all airports were closed. "The train was rocking sharply back and forth," said Anthony Weiss, a 29-year-old from Florida studying Japanese in Tokyo who was on a train when the quake hit. "People covered their heads with their bags as dust and small debris fell. Something sprung a leak, as there was a lot of water on the platform." Many riders evacuated the train and headed for the archways, but Weiss stayed on the train. "I stayed on because I was concerned about the roof and hanging lights and ventilation systems," he said. "Lights went on and off in the train. It felt a lot like the earthquake attraction at Universal, to be honest, but it wasn't stopping." It was pretty scary," Weiss said in an e-mail to a friend. "It felt pretty strong. People were scrambling for the doorways. The aftershocks are continuing even now." "It felt like a jet had come too close to the window and everything started shaking and rocking, and there was a huge rumbling noise," said David Pierson, a 32-year-old U.S. Army helicopter pilot who was at Tokyo's Narita International Airport. "All the signs started swaying and fixtures started popping out. When I saw the panic on people's faces, I made a move for the exit." The epicenter of the quake was 81 miles off the coast of Sendai, and it struck at a depth of 15 miles, which may have decreased the potential damage. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said a tsunami warning was in effect for Japan, Russia and the Northern Marianas. A tsunami watch has been issued for Guam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Hawaii.

• published: 11 Mar 2011
• views: 87466