Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Tottering Towers of Tokyo: Dramatic Video Footage Of The Moment The Earthquake Struck

These are some of the dramatic videos captured as the sixth most powerful earthquake ever recorded hit the east coast of Japan. The 8.9-magnitude quake struck at a shallow depth just 80 miles off the coast, triggering a 30ft tsunami that has devastated the country and left a suspected 1,300 people dead.
 

Frantic people ran out of their homes or cowered inside as the powerful quake struck around 5.46am GMT.

Many older buildings collapsed as the ground shook, but footage also showed towers and skyscrapers in the capital Tokyo - built to withstand tremors - swaying as the quake went on.

Video also revealed the terrifying power of the tsunami as it battered coastal areas, destroying homes and roads and leaving the area swamped with debris and bodies.