A magnitude-8.9 earthquake centered 250 miles from Tokyo produced a tsunami Friday that could be seen washing buildings away. Several hundred people are estimated to have been killed in its aftermath.

The horrifying images were carried on television in Japan, where many people will surely die, and on CNN, where, according to outrage on Twitter, they elicited giggles.

BBC:

Japanese television showed cars, ships and even buildings being swept away by a vast wall of water after the 8.9 magnitude earthquake.

Officials said the wave could be 10m (33ft), and numerous casualties are feared.

The quake struck about 250 miles (400km) from Tokyo at a depth of 20 miles, shaking the capital.

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