Sendai Airport hit by tsunami triggered by Japan earthquake

Following the massive earthquake hitting off the coast of Japan, tsunami warnings have been issued for coastal areas across the Pacific, including areas across Japan.

Sendai Airport, on Japan's eastern coast, has already been completely flooded by a ten-metre tsunami, according to reports from the Kyodo news agency.

Images of airport passengers taking refuge on the terminal ceiling are appearing on the news.

Tsunami warnings are also in effect for Russia, the Marianas Islands, the Marcus Islands, Guam, Wake Island, and Taiwan.

Tsunami watches are also out for Yap, the Philipines, the Marshall Islands, Belau, Midway Island, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, the Johnston Islands, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Hawaii.

Airports across the Western Pacific are likely to be affected, as the geography of the coastline and islands of the Pacific mean that airports tend to be built towards the coastline.

Initially reported as a magnitude 7.3 earthquake, the United States Geological Survey has hiked the reported magnitude to 8.9. After such a massive earthquake, tsunami warnings spread out across the Pacific.

More coverage of the Tokyo earthquake and tsunami:

Australian Government says no tsunami risk to Australia

Jetstar planes flying into earthquake hit Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Airports evacuated following major earthquake

BREAKING: Major earthquake in Japan: Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports closed

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.