RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
We have an update now on the massive magnitude 8.9 earthquake that hit off the northeast coast of Japan earlier today. Government officials say at least 29 people are dead so far. The quake set off a 13-foot tsunami that swept away boats, cars and even buildings as it moved inland. Freelance journalist Chie Kobayashi was in her Tokyo apartment when the quake struck.
Ms. CHIE KOBAYASHI (Freelance journalist): It took so long, I felt like it was 10 minutes or something, because, you know, I was really praying it should please stop now, please stop now.
MONTAGNE: Tsunami warnings have been issued across Pacific to the places as far flung as Hawaii, Alaska, the entire West Coast of the U.S. and South America. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.