... tion alerts for the entire Japanese coast

 

AP JAPAN YAHOO March 11 2011:

Japan issued its top tsunami warning after a massive 8.8 magnitude offshore quake on Friday, with reports of 'numerous' injuries and ships being washed ashore by waves.

The US Geological Survey upgraded the quake to 8.8 from 7.9.

Numerous injuries were reported by police in Japan's Miyagi prefecture and there were reports of scores of cars floating in Iwate prefecture harbour.

The meteorological agency issued its top-level evacuation alerts for the entire Japanese coast, warning of a tsunami of up to six metres (20 feet).

A tsunami warning was issued for Japan, Russia and the Mariana Islands, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

The quake struck about 382 kilometres (237 miles) northeast of Tokyo, the US Geological Survey said.

Smoke could be seen rising from a building in Tokyo port.

Shinkansen bullet trains stopped when the quake struck.