Japan hit by massive quake

Many people were injured when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake rocked northeastern Japan on Friday at 13:46 local time.

The Japan Meteorological Society said the temblor that hit the highest intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale occurred in Miyagi Prefecture, according to The Japan Times.

Other sources such as CNN said the quake was 8.9 magnitude.

The epicenter was estimated at 130 kilometers east of Sendai, Honshu; 178 km east of Yamagata, Honshu; 178 km east-northeast of Fukushima, Honshu; or 373 km northeast of Tokyo, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Fires were reported from Sendai's prefectural capital and in Tokyo, a distance of 300 kilometers away.

Prolonged aftershocks were also felt.

Part of the Kudan Kaikan Hall in Chiyoda Ward in Tokyo collapsed that hurt a score of people.

The ceiling of the Sendai Office of Kyodo News collapsed with bookshelves and office equipments toppled around.

Power outage occurred in a vast area in the northeastern part of the country.

Major transportation systems were immediately stopped.

Rey Ian Corpuz, one of author's Facebook friends based in Tokyo posted, "Trains stopped. We all can't go home."

Another Facebook friend in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture, Vangie Magdaong posted, "Got dizzy with long and strong earthquake...and aftershocks..."

Philippine seismologists raised the country in Tsunami Alert from Level 1 to Level 2 following the massive quake in Japan according to a report from dzMM.

Authorities estimate the first tsunami waves to reach the Philippines at around 17:50 local time time today.

Residents are warned not to go and evacuate the coastal areas, and seek higher grounds in the following areas: Batanes Island, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Quezon, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur.

Details of this report here.