Update: Of course, many Canadians have loved ones in Japan. If you're trying to find a relative or friend, this might help. Google has launched a version of its Person Finder service for people affected by the quake.

In its first few hours, the Japan quake Person Finder had logged more than 7000 records.

March 11, 2011 - 9:35 a.m.

No doubt you've heard by now, an unprecendented earthquake struck Japan today, off the northeast coast.

The quake had a magnitude of 8.9, the biggest quake to hit Japan in 140 years. It triggered dozens of aftershocks and a 10-metre tsunami that swept away everything in its path.

To give you a sense of the devastation, check out these photographs.

They're extremely powerful and tell the story in a way video doesn't. And of course, for the latest on the situation in Japan, tune in to CBC News Network, CBC Radio or go to Cbc.ca/News.