japan nuclear emergency - 8.9 earthquake

At least 32 deaths confirmed; 'nuclear emergency' declared after problems at plant

A magnitude 8.9 earthquake slammed Japan's northeastern coast Friday, unleashing a 13-foot  tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland and prompting a "nuclear emergency."

At least 32 people were killed and there were reports of several injuries in Tokyo, hundreds of miles away, where buildings shook violently through the main quake and the series of massive aftershocks that followed.

The quake triggered problems with a cooling system at a power plant , officials said, prompting the "emergency," but the officials maintained that no radiation had leaked. A fire was reportedly burning in a turbine building at the plant.

Fires triggered by the quake burned out of control up and down the coast.

 Video: Live coverage of quake's aftermath

Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the quake caused "major damage" in northeastern Japan.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42023385/ns/world_news-asia-pacific/