The quake, which hit at 2.45 p.m. (0545 GMT) at a depth of 24.4 km, shook buildings in Tokyo violently and some caught fire.

"The building shook for what seemed a long time and many people in the newsroom grabbed their helmets and some got under their desks," a correspondent said.

"It was probably the worst I have felt since I came to Japan more than 20 years ago."

US officials said the 8.8-magnitude quake struck about 250 miles (400km) from Tokyo at a depth of 20 miles. The stock market extended its losses after the quake was announced.

Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world`s most seismically active areas. The country accounts for about 20 percent of the world`s earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater.

A tsunami warning was in effect for Russia, Marcus Island and the Northern Marianas. A tsunami watch has been issued for Guam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and US state of Hawaii.

In japan all electricity power was shutdown, so we can\'t contact.....