An powerful earthquake has struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, and been felt in the capital Toyko.
It has been measured at 8.8 by the US Geological Survey, upgraded from an earlier reading of 7.9, and much stronger than a 7.2 quake which hit on Wednesday.
There are reports that a giant wave four metres high has struck Japan’s Pacific coast. A warning has been issued for a possible tsunami.
Initial reports say there have been “many injuries”. Several fires have been reported in the Tokyo area.
The quake happened during the day as many people were at work in the Japanese capital.
People dived for cover under desks as buildings shook.
The city’s Narita airport has been closed and rail links to the north of the country interrupted.
It is Japan’s biggest earthquake in seven years.
And let us, people of other countries, come together in her time of need and try to do what we can to aid an ailing country.

We, the peoples of the Earth, appeal to the UN, WHO and all international organizations and governments. We ask:
1. The establishment of an international, interdisciplinary team with authority to take over management of the plant in Fukushima Daiichi and its consequences, under a UN mandate.
2. The establishment of a crisis team within the UN responsible for implementing all measures necessary to protect the Japanese people at any price whatsoever.
We are human beings born free and equal. With reason and conscience, we act in a spirit of brotherhood. We are concerned for the life, liberty and security of our Japanese brothers and our children.

On March 11, 2011 at 2:46pm (JST), the northeastern coast of Japan was hit with a massive 9.0 earthquake, triggering a deadly tsunami and nuclear crisis. The earthquake and tsunami have caused extensive damage in Northeastern Japan, leaving thousands of people confirmed dead, injured or missing, and millions more affected by the lack of electricity, water, and transportation. There are many people, including children, who were unable to make it to the shelters, and are living in damaged homes or without electricity. Let’s show our support and help those affected by the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster.

100% of sales will be donated directly to Japaneed$ to help fund relief efforts in Japan. These contributions will help the victims who couldn’t make it to the shelters, by providing them with food, clothing, baby supplies, etc.
Currently in northern Japan, there are thousands of evacuees from the recent tsunami without food or water. Many are shelterless or living without electricity and other things we may take for granted. They have no money, no car, no food, and no water. Everything they had was destroyed or washed away by the tsunami.