The morning after Japan was struck by the most powerful earthquake to hit the island nation in recorded history and the tsunami it unleashed - and even as the earth continued to twitch with aftershocks - the disaster's massive impact was only beginning to be revealed.

 The 8.9-magnitude tremor, which was centered near the northeast coast of Japan, killed hundreds of people and created 30-foot walls of water that swept across rice fields, engulfed entire towns, dragged houses onto highways, and tossed cars and boats around like toys. Some waves reached six miles (10km) inland in Miyagi Prefecture on Japan's east coast.

 Buildings collapsed by the score, and numerous fires were ignited. Hundreds more people are missing, Japanese media reported, citing local and national police. Tens of thousands of people were displaced, according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency.

 Kyodo predicted the death toll would surpass 1,000. The news agency, citing Japan's defense forces, also said 60,000 to 70,000 people were being evacuated to shelters in the Sendai area of Miyagi Prefecture.

 Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the "enormously powerful" earthquake had caused "tremendous damage over a wide area."

 The quake, which struck at 2:46 p.m. on March 10, prompted the US National Weather Service to issue tsunami warnings for at least 50 countries and territories.

 The epicenter of Friday's main quake was located off Miyagi Prefecture, about 230 miles (370km) northeast of Tokyo, the US Geological Survey said.

 Humanitarian agencies were working with rescue crews to reach people affected by the earthquake and tsunami.