A ferocious tsunami created by one of the most powerful earthquakes ever has slammed into Japan, killing at least 200 people.

The 8 point 9 quake's been followed by more than 50 aftershocks.


A major explosion's been reported at a petrochemical plant in Sendai.

A state of emergency's been declared at a nuclear plant where a mass evacuation's taking place.


Foreign Secretary William Hague has been chairing a meeting of the Cobra emergency response committee.

Andrew Mitchell, the International Development Secretary, says Britain stands ready to help:

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