At least 32 people have died after a tsunami swept across the north east coast of Japan following a huge off-shore earthquake.

The tremor, which measured 8-point-9 in magnitude, is one of the biggest earthquakes ever recorded.

The force of the wave hurled cars and other debris inland. 

A tsunami warning's also been issued for most of the Pacific basin. 

Coastal areas are being evacuated in countries including Indonesia, Australia, central America and Chile.

Prime Minister David Cameron says Britain's ready to help in any way it can.

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