Dozens of cities and villages in Japan's northern Miyagi, Aomori and Iwate prefectures have been devastated by the Japan tsunami. Towering waves tossed around fishing boats, cars and trucks like toys and sent them crashing into bridges and apartment blocks. Japan has been pounded by a massive tsunami after being, which was listed by the USGS as magnitude 8.9.

Low-lying Pacific islands are evacuating tens of thousands of people from vulnerable areas.

The largest waves are headed south-west at about 500mph to Japan and could cross the Pacific basin in 24 hours. There have been waves from four to seven metres high crashing into the Japanese coast.

If you are at home and hear there is a tsunami warning, you should make sure you entire family is aware of the warning. Your family should evacuate your house if you live in a tsunami evacuation. Move in an orderly, calm and safe manner to the evacuation site or to any safe place outside your evacuation zone. Follow the advice of local emergency and law enforcement authorities.

.