Japan Earthquake Photos: Pictures Show Devastation After Quake, Tsunami

Photos coming in from Japan show the devastation after Friday's massive 8.9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

For more on the disaster, click here.

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[yocco]

11:48 PM on 03/13/2011

We are very grateful for all your prayers and the help many countries are providing us with. Thank you so much. I am a Japanese med student who was hit by the earthquake two days ago in the north of Japan. I still can't believe that such a devastating tragedy has hit us, but I am thankful to be alive and hope to do whatever I can to help those still in distress. Until now, I never really understood how lucky I was to be alive and live a normal life with electricity and water and gas. I never knew how scary it was to not know whether your family is safe. This was an experience that really changed my view on life.

[brt929]

05:42 PM on 03/12/2011

I don't I believe I have ever heard of an EQ this big before.  This is a huge quake.  In California we have a lab that tracks potential quake activity, I wonder if Japan does the same?

[thepathforward]

02:43 PM on 03/12/2011

Quoting a CNN news article, “Edano said an explosion caused by vented hydrogen gas destroyed the exterior walls of the building where the reactor is, but not the actual metal housing enveloping the reactor”.

IMO that’s quite a sudden and very large explosion and the pressure wave emanating from the initial explosion is extreme. Initial reports indicated a “steam explosion” but is now being called a hydrogen explosion-much worse and worrisome (recall this was the major issue that the Three Mile Island situation was most concerned about).

What’s not being clarified is that the magnitude of this large hydrogen explosion blew the metal siding (and probably a significant portion of the structural members of that building as well) off the exterior walls of the building enclosing the secondary containment, but the source of the explosion likely emanated to the outer low resistance metal enclosure via the secondary reactor containment (the concrete dome with inner metal liner enveloping the primary containment/reactor vessel). If the explosion progressed from the secondary containment to the outer metal building containment, it would seem reasonable that it originated in the primary reactor area.

The statement being reported seems confusing. The secondary containment is a heavily reinforced massive concrete containment vessel with an inner metal shield. What’s the relief point from the secondary containment to the outer metal building to exhaust that extreme level of explosion gases- was the secondary containment compromised?

And, the reported emergency sea water cooling- can’t be a good sign.

[Z1Matto]

02:36 PM on 03/12/2011

"Japan in Turmoil" is so overblown. This isn't Haiti people.

[tonewheel]

04:17 PM on 03/12/2011

OK, thanks for that on-the-ground report.

[yocco]

11:35 PM on 03/13/2011

It's easy for you to say that when you're far away and living a normal life. I'm a Japanese med student who was hit by the earthquake in the north of Japan, and I can tell you we all feel like it's the end of the world for us over here. Please think of the people who saw people been swept away by the tsunami just a few steps behind them.

[SukiTheCat]

02:34 PM on 03/12/2011

Quite heartbreaking.

[DOGnIT]

02:10 PM on 03/12/2011

I can't imagine what Japan could have done to be better prepared. So many in need around the world. I can only hope with every fiber that the billionaires of this planet will step up and help. I'm tapped out.

As a SoCal resident, this is terrifying. Our surfers went out to catch some waves, ignoring the Tsunami warnings which were in effect. We were lucky this time.

[MikakoSai]

11:58 AM on 03/12/2011

Until the midnight since the first big earthquake, around in 9 hours, there are 95 times-shock occurred. Still now, we feel a shock by less than every 10 minuets. I feel as if I kept myself swaying, to feel sick. I'm in Tokyo, so fortunately, electric power was not down to get the information from TV. Even in Tokyo, all lines of trains were stopped, as you may know the railroad network is very important for Tokyo citizens, so there were big confusion occurred. And now, the newer information shows the worse situation makes me blue. …the fire is expanding, the buildings and houses were collapsed, the towns were wholly swept away, the serious troubles are found at the nuclear power station, many bodies were found at a certain area, and at least 300 people are dead…I'm afraid to touch the new information discovered by the dawn light.
Under this situation, I found many people giving comments with warm hearts. I'd like to express my appreciation for your gentle comments. Supported and encouraged by your words, we will keep ourselves strong to come over this disaster. Thanks for all.

I wrote this comment just 24 hours before. But, because I'm an old Japanese woman, I'm not good at English writing, I'd quit submit this, once. Now, after 24 hours I wrote this comment, the number of victims are increasing by 1,000 people or more. So much more, nowI want to appreciate for your encouragement. Thank you.

[backwoodsliberal]

02:02 PM on 03/12/2011

Madame, let me express my admiration for your calm and graciousness in the face of such horror.

Americans know how strong and determined the Japanese are when confronted with adversity. And it will be so again.

Our hearts are with you.

[Pennsanic]

02:15 PM on 03/12/2011

Ganbatte, kudasai!

[PharmaCan]

11:37 AM on 03/12/2011

A few predictions:

Within two months Japan will have most of this mess cleaned up and their roads and transportation systems will be functioning again.

Within two years there will no remnants of the devastation and Japan will be completely back to normal.

This will happen by the people of Japan coming together for the benefit of all of them, and by huge expenditures of public funds to not only repair the damage but to make things better than they were before. The Japanese will tax themselves to whatever extent necessary to repair the damage, and they will borrow huge sums of money to finance those repairs they do not have the immediate cash to pay for. They will tax themselves to pay for the debt they must create to repair their country.

Compare this to the United States where, under similar circumstances, our government would be talking about giving tax breaks to the wealthy to encourage them to repair the damage, and where the damage would still be in infantile stages of repair ten years after the fact.

[ErinP]

12:01 PM on 03/12/2011

So true. Aren't there still ruins from Hurricane Katrina?

[Z1Matto]

02:42 PM on 03/12/2011

I agree. Japan will handles this better than ANY country on the planet.

[LiveTheSheenDream]

11:36 AM on 03/12/2011

After seeing the disaster coverage my daughter asked if we could donate the bottle of spray cleaner in our pantry to help the Japanese clean up. I was so touched by her thoughtfulness I let her take my convertible to the Red Cross to make her donation.

[guestuser1]

11:14 AM on 03/12/2011

The news coming out of Japan -- especially concerning the nuclear power plants -- has been slow. Governments tend to downplay these events, and dare I say even stretch the truth.

[LiveTheSheenDream]

11:40 AM on 03/12/2011

Governments stretch the truth, you dare say?

Nooooo!

[Str84Ward]

08:22 AM on 03/12/2011

Should anyone be of means and seeking; the Red Cross, AMA, FEMA and many others can be contacted for any in-need skills you may have to extend freely to the area. Should you seek deeper, consider adding Japanese language into your browser, make use of free online translation programs such as google. Ones who seek to be informed, communicate, assist on site or via remote / technical means, this direct effort may be what some may find to be for them. This is no time to count on the great efforts of the media, as they themselves are highly limited with their resources under these grave conditions.

As the remarkable woman stated, Mother Nature Is In CHARGE and we are in this together.
I am very sad to see the first "line up" of reporting being on the economic affect on the US stock market. To see the compassion of others here, makes THEM look insane today. There is no price for life, cultures, greatness. Did Katrina not teach us this ? I'm fortunate to be among true people of genuine compassion.Thanks all.

[FEsrigoHL]

07:49 AM on 03/12/2011

Yes, it is plate tectonics, NOT solar flares. REALLY !! Seems our planet is restless as there have been so many quakes of late.
It was EXCEEDINGLY IRRESPONSIBLE of Japan to erect nuclear reactors without secluding them from earthquake results as they have done with their high rise buildings. Falling buildings affects them. Melted reactors impact the whole world. Russias meltdown is still affecting parts of Scandanavia. They don't talk about this; they hide these things to cover their butts. They should be sanctioned by the UN. The Japanese did not learn from Hirosima and Nagasaki. NO surprise, as humans are, by and large, irresponsible, greedy and perfect JACKASSES.( with all apologies to the animal Kingdom). Turbines run by rivers, wave generated electricity ( as in Scotland), wind power, solar, geothermal ( chancy as it causes earthquakes) and other technologies MUST be the generators of choice for electricity. I know there are other tecnologies, but they are not applicable in a large way now. Reagen removed the solar cells from the white house that Mr. Carter had put up. Mr. Carter is having the last laugh now. America has all the pluses anyone would want and we are all running it into the ground. The world envies what we have but know we are such jerks. We encourage crime by inadequate education of our less than gifted. MANDATORY training for a trade would eliminate almost all of the large underclass we have.

[Str84Ward]

08:48 AM on 03/12/2011

FE, Has the U.S. West Coast done such that you mention for our sites and at such a magnitude of earthquakes and tsunami ? How correct you are as to what the world may so sadly, envy.
However, a born patriot, I must and do believe we are forunate to be Americans. Thank You !!!

[runallnight]

11:04 AM on 03/12/2011

I agree with your ideas about the urgency for responsible sources of energy, and relate to your exasperation with the governments and people who put profit before the well-being of the planet. But I think the comment "The Japanese did not learn from Hiroshima and Nagasaki" is outrageously wrongheaded and mean, especially at this time. Also, unfortunately, Carter is not having any "last laugh"--being vindicated by history after a 30-year-and-counting rout of his ideas and principles is no reason to laugh. And public opinion in this country is still more on the Reagan-fantasy side--Reagan worshippers are still laughing.

[FEsrigoHL]

03:50 PM on 03/12/2011

Really. What did Regan do for the world except leave movies behind. Carter still works for humanity. Because he was an intellectual and not a party goer he was not POPULAR. People are influenced by glitz, especially men. But politics are always a hash, as they are run by people, upon whom you can never TOTALLY depend to do the right thing. Regen said we had plenty of oil and did not need photo voltaics. He was a grandstander. EVERYONE makes mistakes. That is totally different from knowing the right thing and not doing it; or poo pooing good advice from experts or listening to advise from people who tell you what you want to hear. Leaders need to know the difference. If the Japanese had REALLY learned from their past they would NOT have built a reactor where and as they did. I can't wait to move from where I am, as it is TOO near a reactor. It would be IMPOSSIBLE to evacuate those at risk if any serious problem developed. We are not without fault. hUMANS IN GENERAL MAKE MORE BAD DECISIONS THAN GOOD. The average IQ is 100. DUH!!
Check the TV, newspapers and other info. 1 out of 4 Americans DO DRUGS. They smoke, they drink, they are promiscuous without protection , they are obese,etc. NOT a pretty scene. NO one will change my mind because I SPEAK FROM FACTS NOT OPINION.

[eajphd]

09:50 PM on 03/11/2011

The devastation in the North is heart-rending. Tokyo and areas to the south have received a lesser impact and things are returning to normal in this part of country, and can only watch what is happening with the same sense of horror as people elsewhere. We are experiencing regular lower intensity aftershocks and are worried about future quakes. The people here appreciate all the messages of concern. We had one piece of good news from a teacher in Kesennuma that the Tsunami warning at his school helped hem to evacuate everyone safely. Unfortunately phone and power service are down there so we haven't heard anything from him for the last few hours.

[Str84Ward]

08:41 AM on 03/12/2011

Emergency workers and help from California, Hawaii and across our Nation are well on their way and there are many more to come to your Country during this devastating time. Should it be of any personal peace, note that the experiences you endure for the intense quakes and aftershocks, leave all with a natural, great fear of every tremble. Though no one can be certain of what the earth and skies will do; I assure you that in time, the strikingly harsh fear you feel now for the aftershocks will subside over time.I know that any mere "shake", should it be for a mere moment has your mind preparing for it to continue into what you have and are going through. These are natural feelings. I promise this to you as I know how you feel. I have been in terrible earthquakes and other horrible forms of nature's unforgiving disasters.
Good people from around the world are and will be there for Japan for as long as it takes. May you be blessed with inner peace sooner than later. Please update us as you may care to for any moral support or facts we may be able to provide that you seek. 信仰と強度

[FEsrigoHL]

03:29 PM on 03/12/2011

I feel sorry for them. That does not change the matter of building nuclear in such an earthquake prone area without sequestering the buildings. Excuses excuses. They endanger the WHOLE world. Everyone wants to live the high life. Don't poop where you live is an old and true adage. They have coastline galore. They could have built SO much wave and tidal electric producing facility for the $ they spent on nuclear, which is THE most expensive way to produce electricity taking into account the building, running, maintaining and dismantling and storage of waste, for which there is NO solution. The idea that France has the solution is a LIE. Check with the 3rd world country to which they are sending their waste. The fees go to the pols not to the people. Coddling misbehavior does not prevent it in the future. Everyone could live a better life if they did as they pleased without regard for those they are harming. We have ONLY one planet and there is no equal as far as we know and certainly not for our use. We have already harmed it and made extinct so much life that is NOT ours to extinguish. The wildlife we have exterminated is as important as human life. All the facets working together are what make this world a Paradise which we are busy KILLING. The same goes for those silly fools on the beaches who KNOW a Tsunami is coming and they stay there:STUPID.

[jorie]

09:27 PM on 03/11/2011

This is so sad

[Nicole Netherlands]

07:39 PM on 03/11/2011

I would like to see these pictures !
On my -full- screen
Without it being blocked by a grey bar, who takes one fifth of my full screen....
So I am -not able- to watch these pictures.
Please HP can you fix this?!