Photos of destruction caused by the Japan earthquake

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima in northern Japan, smashing furniture, knocking out power and killing four people. These pictures show the scale of destruction caused by the earthquake that left nearly 2.2 million homes without water and electricity in Japan.

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima in northern Japan, smashing furniture, knocking out power and killing four people. Credit: AFP Photo

On March 17, the Japan Meteorological Agency lifted its low-risk advisory for a tsunami along the coasts of Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures. Tsunami waves of 30 centimetres (11 inches) reached shore in Ishinomaki, about 390 kilometers (242 miles) northeast of Tokyo. Credit: AFP Photo

Cracks on a damaged road between Kunimi IC and Shiroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway (down line) in Shiroishi, Miyagi. Credit: AFP Photo

NHK footage showed broken walls of a department store building falling to the ground and shards of windows scattered on the street near the main train station in the inland prefectural capital of Fukushima city. Credit: AFP Photo

Even roads were cracked and water poured out from pipes underground. Credit: AFP Photo

Pictures showed furniture and appliances smashed to the floor at apartments in Fukushima. Credit: AFP Photo

More than 2.2 million homes are without electricity, including the Tokyo region. Credit: AFP Photo

The quake shook large parts of eastern Japan, including Tokyo, where buildings swayed violently. Credit: AP Photo

Cosmetics and other merchandise at convenience stores fell from shelves and were scattered on the floor. Credit: AFP Photo

Earthquake-affected residents take shelter in an Omni-sports venue in Soma, Fukushima. Credit: AFP Photo

Residents queue to fill containers with water from a tanker truck in Minamisoma, Fukushima prefecture on March 17, 2022, after the water was cut off following a 7.3-magnitude quake that jolted east Japan the night before. Credit: AFP Photo

A Tohoku Shinkansen express train partially derailed between Fukushima and Miyagi due to the quake, but nobody was injured. East Japan Railway Co. said most of its train services were suspended for safety checks. Some local trains later resumed service. Credit: AFP Photo