Google Alerts Users to Tsunami Risk After Japan Quake

Internet search giant Google is warning users on its search page about the tsunami danger across the Pacific following the earthquake off the coast of Japan.

Google has in the past set up a crisis response service following quakes in New Zealand and Chile but so far has apparently begun its response with an alert underneath the search bar of its main www.google.com page.

"Tsunami Alert for New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and others. Waves expected over the next few hours, caused by 8.9 earthquake in Japan," the alert reads.

After last month's devastating New Zealand earthquake, information quickly flowed out from Christchurch to sites such as Google's Crisis Response service where people can add or request information on individuals.

The site's person finder tool soon notched up records on thousands of people, some missing, others found alive and well.

As of 1030 GMT, there was apparently no crisis response service for the Japan quake. www.google.com/crisisresponse/

On micro-blogging site Twitter, there were thousands of messages of support for the victims of the massive tsunami that hit Japan and the sharing of videos and pictures of the devastating wave as it hit.

"Terrible images of #tsunami in #japan. Life is so fragile and nature reminds us of this! Our thoughts and prayers ..." tweeted Ravi Kumar.

Many people were sharing CCTV images of the wave as it hit, in particular, Sendai airport, via the hashtags #tsunami and #sendai, among others.

And some were concerned that the waves could be heading their way.

"Tsunami is expected to hit Maui at 3:30 am. Hope I'm on high ground... less than 1/2 mile," tweeted Michael Floyd.

On social media giant Facebook, the Japan Earthquake Tsunami community page had people sharing videos and photos and also leaving their best wishes for those hit hardest.

"Our thoughts n prayers are with you Japan! From us in New Zealand," posted Joe Fraser.

And on the Japan Tsunami 2011 page, users shared timings of when the tsunami was expected to hit landfall in different areas and urged to pass on the information.