Powerful Aftershocks Rock Quake-ravaged Japanese Cities

(NECN: Ally Donnelly) - An 8.9-magnitude earthquake has been having a ripple affect across much of the world.

The off-shore earthquake hit right in the middle of a workday afternoon, and was followed by a stunning 23-foot tsunami that seemed to eat up everything in it's path.

Police found 200 to 300 bodies in the northeaster coastal city of Sendai -- it's prefecture of Miyagi -- the closest to the epicenter. Another 137 people have been confirmed killed with more than 530 missing and more than 600 people injured.

Dozens of cities and villages were shaken by terrifying tremors that reached as far away as Tokyo, a hundred of miles from the coast.

Locals were rocked by more than 85 powerful aftershocks that raged for hours. Fires burned throughout the night in one coastal town, and more than 300 homes were washed away.

Japan's Coast Guard has also been searching for 80 dock workers who had been working on a ship when it was swept out to sea.

Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan should be referred to the U.S. Dept. of State, Office of Overseas Services at: (888) 407-4747 or (202) 647-5225.

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