The devastation of Japan, as told on YouTube [Videos]

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan and the tsunami that followed sent shockwaves around the world. The news of the quake sent people scrambling for information online. Japan dominated Twitter with at least four trending topics and, at one stage, with 1 200 tweets per minute.

The quake was recorded as the largest to hit Japan since the Hanshin-Awaji quake of 1995. Many followed the devastating event via YouTube. The videos included snippets for new reports and citizens videos taken off the ground.

We have picked some of the most awe-inducing videos that captured the magnitude of the destruction and desolation of the quake and the later tsunami. Below are six videos that will help you begin to understand the impact of the quake.

1. Tsunami slams Northeast Japan
2. CCTV footage of tsunami
3. Tsunami hit Onahama
4. The quake felt in Tokyo
   

5. Waves smashing cars
6. Shoppers feel the quake
7. Tsunami smashes over seawall