Tsunami hits Japan

BY BUSH RADIO NEWS TEAM
28 FEBRUARY 2010

Foreign reports say a tsunami measuring more than one metre high has hit Japan's northern Pacific coast, nearly 24 hours after the powerful earthquake in Chile.

Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from coastal amid predictions that waves up to three metres high could strike.

Other Pacific nations have been hit by waves, but in most areas the danger is thought to have passed.

In Chile, the town of Talcahuano was badly damaged by a tsunami while five people were killed on the Juan Fernandez Islands.

Earlier reports said the death toll in the devastating eight-point-nine earthquake that struck Chile yesterday has risen to more than 300 and it is believed that some two million people have been affected by the massive quake.

The quake triggered a tsunami that has been sweeping across the Pacific, although waves were not as high as predicted.

Meanwhile President Jacob Zuma has conveyed South Africa’s condolences to the people of Chile.

The International Relations and Cooperation department has not yet been informed of any South African citizens who have been affected by the events in Chile.

A spokesperson says the department should be contacted if there are South Africans who may have family members in Chile.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY