||03|| #prayforjapan. [UPDATED]

On this unique date my birthday coincides with a very solemn day for Japan, as the country was struck by a massive 8.8-8.9 earthquake which was followed by a merciless tsunami. Debris, boats, cars, and planes were strewn into the inland like play toys. As the ground continues to shake, reports started pouring in that many were missing. The death toll also started to increase. The world was worried, sad, and most importantly, sorry for Japan.

Many have been trying for hours to reach their family and friends in Japan but the mobile networks have been taken down by the quake. They were advised to use the internet and free up the phone lines for emergency and rescue purposes. Even Google has reacted to the disaster with a Person Finder tool. People worried about their loved ones can look them up by name while the site updates its data continously. For the entire day, words like #prayforjapan and #tsunami have been on the top trending topic in the twitterverse.

This earthquake is so strong that aftershocks were expected to reach at least 20 countries situated around the Pacific basin. The Malayian Meteorological Department had earlier issued a warning that our east coasts may be slightly affected also. The least we can do for Japan now is to pray for them.

Nowadays it's hardly able to spot the reliable "MADE IN JAPAN" word on products which would usually convince us in buying it. What if, we wouldn't get to see them anymore in the next few years?

[via Android]

*UPDATE: Check out this article. It's touching to see the Japanese being so disciplined even at times like this. (Sendai Tsunami: A Disaster that Brought Out the Best in People)

Photos of the aftermath:(Source: Framework)