Disaster in Japan: Send us your photos, videos and reports

The shores of Natori city in Japan's Miyagi prefecture are submerged. An earthquake struck off Japan's northeast coast Friday. (Kyodo News/Associated Press)

By CBC News

A powerful earthquake struck off Japan's northeast coast Friday, triggering a tsunami that swallowed homes, swept away boats and cars, and forced people to scramble to higher ground.

Police confirmed that at least 88 people were killed after the magnitude 8.9 quake, which was followed by dozens of powerful aftershocks. There were reports that between 200 and 300 bodies were found in the northeastern coastal city of Sendai.

Dozens of people were reported missing and the Japanese coast guard said it was looking for a ship with 80 people on board that washed away in the tsunami.

The offshore quake began at 2:46 p.m. local time had a magnitude of 8.9, making it the biggest earthquake to hit Japan since officials began keeping records in the late 1800s, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Tsunami watches and advisories were also issued for major stretches of the Pacific, including the west coasts of South America, the United States and Canada.

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Are you in a community that's been affected by the tsunami or in an area where a tsunami watch has been issued? The Community Team and CBCNews.ca are looking for stories, photos and videos, if you've got them. Please do not put yourself at risk to capture these reports. Your photos and video may be used on-air and in articles as part of CBC News coverage. Here's how you can get in touch.