One of the world's most powerful ever earthquakes has triggered a devastating tsunami in the Pacific ocean.

The 8 point 9 quake hit off the coast of Japan early this morning - sparking fires and a ten metre high wall of water that's smashed into the north east of the country.

A ship with 100 people onboard has been swept away - along with cars and buildings.

are confirmed dead.

British teacher Matthew Holmes was in his classroom in Tokyo when the quake hit
this morning.

He says finding out if friends are safe has been very difficult.

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Coastal regions across the Pacific are being evacuated.

Tsunami alerts have been issued for the entire Pacific basin including the US, Australia, Fiji and Chile.

The Red Cross warns the waves are higher than some islands.