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Japan Shaken after Massive Earthquake

Massive surges of water nipped at the heels of retreating Japanese after a reportedly massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake offshore prompted a four-metre tsunami (residents stranded on their roofs were seen to wave for help).

Three people have reportedly been found dead in the greater Tokyo region; thankfully, no Australians were hurt.

The quake was first noticed by a fisherman, 43, 382km northeast of Tokyo at 2.46pm local time, and was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks. The man quakely texted his Tokyo-based daughter, before the tidal wave caught up with his boat and, unfortunately, reduced it to junk.

An oil refinery in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo caught fire, keeping the stranded civilians warm (it had been getting a bit nippy).

Prime Minister Naoto Kan has said that he would do everything possible to aid those in need of help, short of leaving his office. "We should all help each other to minimise the damage," he said, speaking like a true politician. "We ask you to act in such a way that it will be possible to minimise the damage."

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