200 plus aftershock/quakes greater than magnitude 5 have hit all over Japan (if I heard right, this was in a 24 hour period).  These are not just in the area of the main quake, but all over Japan, another sign of a major geological event.

At least half a million people are in emergency shelters. The shelters are running out of food and water.

At least 15,000 people are officially missing.

Fukushima nuclear plant 1; officials admit that reactor 2 fuel rods melted/permanent damage, caused by a huge drop in coolant levels. Pumping in water failed the first time, because the rods were so hot it all evaporated. They are attempting to pump in more water.

For the first time in Japan’s modern history, reserve military forces are being called up. Also, 13 countries are currently helping with rescue efforts.  As many as 96 countries are offering help.

To help with the economy, which has literally been stopped, the Bank of Japan has injected billions in cash, and has announced that it will increase asset purchases.

There is home video from survivors, which demonstrates the surrealness of the event.  In one video people have run up a hill near their town. They are heard screaming at others to hurry up, “Run, run faster!”, as the wall of water engulfs their town and heads towards the hill they are on.  One survivor said the event made it impossible to think, you just ran.  Another survivor, after seeing the total destruction of her town, and loss of life, said “It would have been better if I died.”.