One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded has struck off the coast of north-east Japan, causing widespread destruction. Many casualties are feared.

The 8.9 magnitude quake triggered a huge tsunami which has swept across the sea threatening countries all around the Pacific Ocean.

In Sendai, the city largest near to the quake epicentre, the waves swept through the car park of the airport and engulfed buildings.

This earthquake model by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows predicted wave heights for the tsunami as it races across the Pacific Ocean from north-east Japan.

Light planes and vehicles were strewn among the debris.

The worst affected areas are thought to be Miyagi, Fukushima and Iwate prefectures. In Iwaki, Fukushima, water swept through the town.

Houses in Natori were caught as a wall of water up to 10m (33ft) high in some places swept inland.

In the Miyagi port city of Kesennuma, which has a population of 74,000, the waves smashed cars up against houses.

People sought safety on rooftops, looking out over what remained of their homes.

Whirlpools could be seen off the coast of several cities, catching boats in their drag.

Damage to gas pipes and electricity lines meant many fires broke out in the aftermath of the quake, including in Natori City.

In Ichihara giant fireballs rise from a burning oil refinery. Thousands of people have also been evacuated from the area around a nuclear power plant, over fears its cooling system was damaged.

The quake was felt in the capital Tokyo, where workers evacuated swaying buildings, trains and underground services were halted, plants closed and the international airport temporarily shut.

Stunned and shaken evacuees gathered in the open spaces of Tokyo's Shinjuku Central Park until it was safe to attempt to travel home.

With train services cancelled many had to make their way home via other means.

Fires broke out in several areas of the capital. Japan lies on the seismically volatile Pacific Ring of Fire, and holds regular quake drills to prepare for such earthquakes.

In Mito City vehicles were crushed in a car park. Geologists say the disaster was caused by a "megathrust" quake, when one tectonic plane is pushed beneath another.

It is believed to have been the fifth most powerful quake to strike anywhere on Earth in more than 100 years.

At least 300 people are already confirmed to have died but many are still missing.