In pictures: Japan hit by earthquake

AN earthquake off the north east of Japan has triggered a powerful tsunami which has caused widespread damage along the country's coastline and so far claimed the lives of over 30 people. Here is a selection of images of the tragic events so far:

• Video image taken from NHK shows people remaining outdoors after an earthquake on this morning in Sendai. An earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter Scale has hit the northeast coast of Japan causing Tsunami alerts throughout countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. Picture: Getty Images

• A video image taken from NHK shows a tsunami caused by an earthquake, sweeping across land in Sendai. Picture: Getty Images

• Houses are swept by water following the tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in northeastern Japan. Picture: AP

• A tsunami warning has been issued in the Philippines, Guam, Indonesia and the Pacific coast of Russia. Picture: Getty Images

• The quake which triggered the tusnami was the largest to hit Japan since records began 140 years ago

• A video image taken from NHK shows a fire engulfing the Cosmo Oil refinery caused by an earthquake in Tokyo. Picture Getty Images

• In this video image taken from Japan's NHK TV, water surrounds the airport building at Sendai Airport, Miyagi Prefecture, following the earthquake. Picture: AP/NHK TV

• Houses, cars and other debris are washed away by tsunami tidal waves in Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan. Picture: AP

• Smoke billows from a fire as an area of Soma port is flooded by waters after the tsunami spawned by the earlier earthquake. Picture: AP

• Tsunami swirls near a port in Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Picture: AP

• Hotel employees squat down in horror at the hotel's entrance in Tokyo after the earthquake hit Japan. Picture: AP

• Light planes and vehicles sit among the debris after they were swept by the tsumani that struck Sendai airport. Picture: AP