after the country s strongest earthquake on record and the most powerful in the region in 1200 years. the 8.9 magnitude event was followed by dozens of severe aftershocks. radiation surged around a nuclear plant, 170 miles from tokyo. and inside grew to 1,000 times normal levels prompting the evacuations of thousands of people. more than 4 million buildings in and around the capital city were without power. the quake spawned a 23-foot tsunami. and prompted warnings as far away as the u.s. western shore. the tsunami slammed in to japan s eastern coast. sweeping away ships, cars and homes. and sparking widespread fires. seven-foot waves hit hawaii. two coastal california towns report damages to boats and docks. president obama today has alerted fema, and said the u.s. stands ready to help the people of japan. joining me now is japan s ambassador to the u.s. ichiro fujisaki.
earthquake on record and the most powerful in the region in 1200 years. the 8.9 magnitude event was followed by dozens of severe aftershocks. radiation surged around a nuclear plant, 170 miles from tokyo. and inside grew to 1,000 times normal levels prompting the evacuations of thousands of people. more than 4 million buildings in and around the capital city were without power. the quake spawned a 23-foot tsunami. and prompted warnings as far away as the u.s. western shore. the tsunami slammed in to japan s eastern coast. sweeping away ships, cars and homes. and sparking widespread fires. seven-foot waves hit hawaii. two coastal california towns report damages to boats and docks. president obama today has alerted fema, and said the u.s. stands ready to help the people of japan. joining me now is japan s ambassador to the u.s. ichiro fujisaki. welcome. first off, our sympathies and