Early this morning an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9, which is the 5th largest in modern recorded history since 1900, hit the island of Japan near Honshu. In addition more than a dozen aftershocks ranging from around 4.0 to 7.1 have hit over the last few hours.
The earthquake also triggered a Tsunami which hit the island with an estimated height of 13 feet. Early reports have stated at least 50 dead and it also washed away cars and buildings.
A smalller unrelated quake also reportedly hit Hawaii however no major damage, deaths or other activity reported as a result of that. Hawaii is however bracing for a Tsunami from the Japan quake and it is anticipated to strike within the hour. Reports say the Tsunami waves could be as high as 8 feet. They come in fast and hard regardless of size which is why they can be so devastating. Tsunami warning sirens have been sounding all morning. Early Tsunami watches have also now been upgraded to warnings for the Western coast of the US.
More information will be posted as it becomes available. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those that have been affected by this tragedy. Hopefully the extent of the damage does not get any worse and no further seismic activity is coming. However tweets of earthquake activity in the region have been very active the last month.
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