The biggest earthquake on record to hit Japan has caused widespread destruction across the country. A 10-metre high tsunami, triggered by the tremor, has swept inland in many places swamping everything in its path.

Ships, cars and whole buildings have been tossed around as if they were toys. One oil refinery has suffered a major explosion, a train is missing in the north of the country and many hundreds are missing.

Return to video map of the quake aftermath.