13 March 2011 Last updated at 14:50

Japan quake: Destruction revealed from above

Satellite image showing damage to the city of Natori in northern Japan.

The biggest earthquake on record to hit Japan caused widespread destruction. Around the northern city of Natori, much was wiped out by the tremor and resulting tsunami.

The coastal city of Sendai was one of the hardest hit. Water swamped much of the coastline and hundreds are feared to have died.

Satellite image of quake-damaged Sendai port.

Sendai's port was also swamped by the tsunami. Shipping containers were carried by the torrent of water and dumped.

Satellite image of the quake-damaged Fukushima nuclear plant.

South of Sendai, officials were battling to cool a reactor at the quake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant after an earlier blast.

Satellite image of quake and tsunami damage to Minamisoma in Japan

The city of Minamisoma in Fukushima was virtually obliterated by the tsunami's tide of mud and debris.

Asia-Pacific

Japan quake: Destruction revealed from above

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