Following the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake which rocked the northeast coast of Japan, triggering tsunamis and resulting in hundreds of deaths, President Barack Obama issued the following statement:
“Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan, particularly those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake and tsunamis. The United States stands ready to help the Japanese people in this time of great trial. The friendship and alliance between our two nations is unshakable, and only strengthens our resolve to stand with the people of Japan as they overcome this tragedy. We will continue to closely monitor tsunamis around Japan and the Pacific going forward and we are asking all our citizens in the affected region to listen to their state and local officials as I have instructed FEMA to be ready to assist Hawaii and the rest of the US states and territories that could be affected.”
Seismologists have described the earthquake as “one of the most powerful earthquakes of the last century.” According to news reports, tremors were felt hundreds of miles from the epicenter which is believed to be in Sendai, 230 miles from Tokyo, Japan’s capital.
Tsunami warnings have been issued to 20 countries and up and down the west coast of the U.S.
