The earthquake that shook Japan with historic strength on Friday created atsunami wave ten meters high. The water washed away boats, cars and houses incoastal areas north of Tokyo. It also led to tsunami warnings across the Pacific.
Scientists recorded the magnitude of the earthquake at 8.9. The United States Geological Survey says it was the fifth largest earthquake since nine-teen hundred. The largest, with a 9.5 magnitude, shook Chile in nineteen sixty.The quake struck near the east coast of Honshu, Japan's main island. It was centered under the sea about one hundred thirty kilometers east of Sendai.The tsunami washed away whole neighborhoods in Sendai.
President Obama offered whatever assistance Japan needs. He had already planned to meet with reporters Friday, and began by talking about the disaster.
BARACK OBAMA: “First and foremost, our thoughts and our prayers are with the people of Japan. This is a potentially catastrophic disaster and the images of destruction and flooding coming out of Japan are simply heartbreaking. "Japan is, of course, one of our strongest and closest allies and this morning I spoke with Prime Minister [Naoto] Kan. On behalf of the American people, I conveyed our deepest condolences, especially to the victims and their families. And I offered our Japanese friends whatever assistance is needed. We currently have an aircraft car rier in Japan and another is on its way."
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