8.9 Japan earthquake biggest in its history, tsunami reaches Russia

Northern Japan has been swamped by a major tsunami - and the entire Pacific region is now on alert. It was caused by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake that struck 130 kilometres off the eastern coast - sending a 4-metre wall of water inland, causing widespread devastation. So far, 23 people are confirmed dead - but that number's expected to rise. The first wave has also reached Russia's Kuril islands to the north, reportedly around a metre high. In Japan, 200 people have reportedly been washed away, with several others missing on Japan's Sendai island. Tokyo's been all-but shut down - with fires and injuries widely reported there. Millions are without electricity. Norita International Airport has been shut down. Hawaii is now bracing for a destructive wave to reach its shores within the next few hours.