Some Beautiful pictures From Nepal!!! See the picture and Visit Nepal in 2011!!!

Nepal beautiful landlocked country of the Asia is proud to welcome Tourist from all over the world to show its Natural heritage and cultural diversity as Nepal is celebrating Nepal Tourism Year 2011.So i being a Nepali like to request all the people to view the pictures and come and visit Nepal in 2011 and have good holiday. Please see some of the beautiful pictures of Nepal.

Holi( Falgu Purnima) is being celebrated today at hilly region of the country!!!

One of the Greatest festival of Hindu,  Holi also called as falgu purnima is celebrated all over the country today and in some part of Nepal it will be celebrated tomorrow.

Holi 

Holi is celebrated as a welcoming of Spring, and a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. What that translates to in action is an enthusiastic dropping of inhibitions, as people chase each other and playfully splash colorful paint, powder and water on each other. 

Holi

People also attend bonfires to commemorate the story of Prahlada, a Hindu figure and devout follower of Lord Vishnu who prevailed over his father and the demoness Holika with the power of his devotion. It is a festival of color. In the season spring we get color so this festival reminds it the season as arrived. We get colorful flowers and plants in spring and that is shown by this color festival. 

Colors 

People get entertained by playing color, throwing each other and throwing water balloons. People celebrate this as a means of harmony. Some times it gets wild these days, while throwing in force to unwanted . People play with water in friend circle and  in neighbour hood. We can buy many powdered color in red/white/pink/green/yellow. Some make black with mobile which is hard to remove later. Young girls are the target to throw such water balloons and color. There is a popular folk newari song speciality of holi festival.

girl with colors on face 

In  Nepal, Holi is regarded as one of the greatest festivals, as important as Dashain and Tihar  Since more than 80% of people in Nepal are Hindus, Holi, along with many other Hindu festivals, is celebrated in Nepal as a national festival and almost everyone celebrates it regardless of their religion, e.g., even Muslims celebrate it. Christians may also join in and Nepal being the country of cultural diversity every one loves it and play it.The day of Holi is also a national holiday in Nepal.

holi

People walk down their neighbourhoods to celebrate Holi by exchanging colours and spraying coloured water on one another. A popular activity is the throwing of water balloons at one another, sometimes called lola(meaning water balloon) Also a lot of people mix bhang in their drinks and food, as also done during Shivaratri. It is believed that the combination of different colours played at this festival take all the sorrow away and make life itself more colourful.

Live Update of Second Friendly Football match between Nepal and Bhutan in Pokhar!!!a

Dear reader, i am here with the live update of second friendly football match  Between  national team of Nepal and national Team of Bhutan in Pokhara stadium. As the first friendly match was not that impressive though Nepal won that match with the close margin of 1-0 with the goal from Santosh Sahukhala. Now i welcome you all for the live update of second friendly match between Nepal and Bhutan!!!


 Spectators are already in stadium with Nepali flag in their hand cheering up for Nepal. For your information Nepal will participate in upcoming AFC challenge cup 2011 that is going to held later this year in Kathmandu while Bhutan have to face Afghanistan later to qualify for the same tournament. Nepal will face People republic of Korea, Srilanka and winner between Bhutan & Afghanistan . 
Yes, We are all set. Both teams are entering the field. There are around 2500 crowd here at the Pokhara Stadium. Happy Holi to you all 


Nepal XI: Kiran, Sagar, Biraj, Rabin, Rohit, Raju, Anil Gurung, Sandip Rai, Bikash singh, Jagjit shrestha, Jumanu Rai. (wow! change in the first XI)


Bhutan XI: Hari (GK), Pema, Jigme, Kinley, Kezang, Kinley, Chimi, Karma, Dawa, Thinley 


Nepal are in Red while bhutanese are in Yellow/Red jersey.

Nepali National Team

2 1 Match in Progress  Nepal Vs Bhutan 19-Mar-2011 03:10 PM NST

Bhutan

Please don't forget to refresh the page to get Live update of every moment!!!!


 Match begings along with the whistle !!! 

 2' Jagjit Shrestha is playing his debut match. Sailesh Joshi is in Line 1, Padam Bhujel in Line 2 and the match commissioner is Sanjib Mishra.
3' Nepal seems in attacking mood with the 4-3-3  formation . Nepal got the free kick but anil gurung head went out!!
5' Free kick to Bhutan, Kinley curls the ball but Sagar Thapa heads the ball out from the danger zone. Bhutan are playing in 4-4-2 formation.
6' First yellow card of the match f Chimi Dorji  of bhutan gets yellow card for fouling on Sandip Rai. 
7'  Nepali Player are in good touch today.Nepal are playing much better game today.
8' Nepal Coach Graham is asking Bikash Singh to cross swinging ball. Nepal are showing good game!
 First ten minutes of the match spectators are silent and still goal less. Nepal sounds good than previous match but still to get the net!!!

11'  Nepal gets a corner kick, could be dangerous for Bhutan, Jagjit Shrestha curls the ball, Sagar Flicks the ball but hit the legs of defender. 12'  Raju tamang was in good touch but out!!! 14'  Hand ball from Bhutanese player, Nepal gets a free kick. It is 30 yard away from the goal. Raju Tamang curls the ball, wow! Biraj is there but kinley Dorji makes it a corner kick.  15' Lovely corner kick from Jagjit, good flicker from Anil Gurung, ball gets rebound but Rohit chand fails to connect on the ball, Raju gives the ball to Biraj but too far.  17' Nepal null bhutan null match is in progress Nepal have control over the ball but still to get goal. 18' Bhutan are being defensive and are seeking to score in counter attack. Nepal need a breakthrough lets see what happen 20' japanese coach of bhutan shouting on players!! 24' GOALLL..GOAL...GOAL.......Nepal gets s breakthrough, Raju Tamang gives a corner kick, brilliant jumping header from Chhetri. Flick into the post!! GOAL..GOAL.GOAL...BIKASH SINGH CHHETRI GOAl. 25' Substitution Nim Sangay is IN  26' Nepal sounds attacking even after a goal. As Nepals bristish coach had said spectators can see more goal today. Lets see how many goal nepal will score. 30'  30 mins gone, Nepal are leading by a goal. Biraj Maharjan is showing good game today from right flank.  Need a break !!! 37'  Labha Khatri flashes yellow card to Jagjit Shrestha for a simulation act. Yellow Card 40' Free kick to Nepal. Jagjit Shrestha is on charge. easy collection for goalie Hari Gurung.  43'   Nepal doing good free kick to bhutan but Nepal manage to block.Nepal have ball possesion 65-35 compared to bhutan but still leading by one goal. Need more goal.  44' Foul to Jagjit Shrestha, Free kick to Nepal in good place, Jagjit's free kick gets deflection but safely goes to the hands of goalie.  45+2' Nepal with one goal lead till the half time. will come in while with live update. Keep watching!!!  Second half  46'  Second half starts. Kiran chemzong is out, Ritesh thapa is in. Thapa is guarding the post after a long gap. 48'  Sand storm. Nepali player are playing short passes.  Nepal need more goal today. 50' Foul to Jagjit shrestha, free kick to Nepal. Quick pass from Rabin shrestha to Jagjit shrestha, one touch cross but goalie Hari collects it safely. 55' Bhutanese are defending well .they are playing sefensive and trying to counter atatck!!  57' Jumanu Rai gets the ball, quick one, Pema tackles it very well. corner kick to Nepal, Raju Tamang kicks the ball, oh ho, perfect header from Bikash Singh, goalie Hari hardly saves it.  59' Second  & third substitution for Nepal jumanu out lawati in.Deepak bhushal replaces Rohit chand. 60' Pema replaces Pema Rinzin in Bhutan squad.  63' Striker Bharat Khawas replaces Jagjit Shrestha. Free kick to bhutan, Pasang hit on the forest of legs.  65'  Nepal is playing attacking still seeking to enlarge the goal margin. Can Nepal score the goal lets see!! 70' Brilliant cross from Rabin, Anil Gurung jumps well but he can't connect on the ball well. Nirajan Malla replaces Raju Tamang.  75'  GOAL GOAL   Nepals second goal wow what a goal. Ganesh Lawati plays wall pass with Bharat Khawas, lovely shot in a tight angle, goalie feebles, Anil Gurung is right there and scored a goal. well done Anil!!!! 80' Final ten minutes left much improved game from Nepal. Still attacking!!! 85' Nepali player lookedquite relaxed after second goal. Can they still find the net still 5 more minutes to go!! 87' Three minutes to go. Free kick to Nepal Deepak Bhushal kicks straight, goalie Gurung dives to collect the ball.  90' GOAL..GOAL..GOAL...Bhutan scores a goal here! What a brilliant goal for Bhutan, Chencho scores utilizing the pass from Nawang. Nepal 2 Bhutan   90+2' Final whistle !! dramatic goal by bhutan in last minutes narrower the margin. Nepal 2 bhutan 1   Thanx all for being with me. Please keep watching i will come with the live update of the AFC Challenge cup 2011  in which Nepal will face DPR KOREA , Srilanka and Winner between Bhutan and Afghanistan.

Nepal to host 3rd edition of ACC twenty-20 tournament in December this year!!!

Nepal will host the third edition of ACC twenty-20 that is also pre qualifying match of the ICC World Twenty20 in the first week of December. Nepal is all set to host the ACC Twenty20 Cup from December 1 to 10. The event is one of the qualifiers for the World T20 2012 to be held in Sri Lanka.

Top three teams, except Afghanistan, from ACC T20 Cup will qualify for 16-team World T20 qualifiers to be held in early 2012 in UAE. Afghanistan, along with five top Associate with ODI status, namely Canada, Ireland, Kenya, the Netherlands and Scotland are automatically qualified to the qualifier that will also feature two other teams from Europe, Africa and America as well as the top team from East Asia-Pacific region. The top six teams of the World T20 Qualifier will qualify for the ICC World T20 in 2012.

"We are hosting the ACC tournament and we have home advantage," Binaya Raj Pandey, president, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), said. "Even if we reach semifinal, we will qualify for the 16-team qualifier."

Nepal had never crossed the group stage in previous two ACC T20 Cups. Nepal´s performance in the shortest version of cricket had been dismal with only five wins in nine matches.In the previous edition of the tournament was held in Kuwait in 2007 and UAE in 2009 respectively.
Former national captain Pawan Agrawal believes Nepal have a chance to move a step forward. "We should start preparation for the ACC T20 now," Agrawal, also a CAN member, said. "As Afghanistan is qualified automatically, reaching semifinal could take Nepali cricket a step forward." 

Captain Paras Khadka said on an upbeat note that with a proper planning, Nepal could qualify in the qualifiers despite dismal past records. However, he said that it was important to start preparing for the event immediately.

"In Twenty20, there is less chance to make a comeback once a team loses initiatives. We do not have healthy past record," Khadka further said, adding, "So, we need more training and match-exposure to secure semifinal spot in ACC T20."

Khadka also stressed the urgency of appointing a national coach. "It´s right time to introduce a new coach as long-serving coach Roy Dias is not here anymore," said Khadka.

CAN is yet to appoint a new coach for the national team after the high-profile Sri Lankan left Nepal after serving for nine years.

President Pandey, meanwhile, informed that CAN would soon finalize the detail plan for the ACC T20 Cup. "What I can say now is that we´ll have national tournaments in April and we´ll call up players in May and go through training sessions beginning September," he elaborated.

Pandey also informed that the CAN is corresponding with several interested people for the coaching job but was quick to add that many of them are busy due to the ongoing World Cup. "We will wait for the completion of the World Cup to make a decision."

International Cricket Council (ICC) has cut down the number of participating nations in the ICC World Cup to 10 but increased it to 16 in the ICC World Twenty20.
"We will have home advantage this time for ACC T20. If CAN properly plans training and exposure, we will qualify for the World T20 Qualifiers," Khadka said, sounding optimistic.

Budha Subba Gold cup 2011 to kick off from 8th of chaitra in Dharan!!!!

Dharan, thirteenth edition of budha subba tuborg  gold cup 2011 will be held from 22 of march to 2nd of april. The cup is one of the most highly anticipated football event in Nepalese Football Horizon. The competition is every year in eastern region of Nepal,Dharan. The competition is the premier cup from the east that has kept the aspiring nepalese football alive.

press conference

According to the press conference organized by Dharan football club in Dharan ,club president and the president of main organizing committee Subash Rai  told that 95 percent of work for the competition have been already completed. According to him the sponsors have been confirmed and the construction of the ground and parfait has also  been completed.

 Two team from abroad, one from India and other from Bangladesh along other A division Nepalese team  and some team from out of the valley are taking part in the competition. RCT( Ranipokhari corner team), Dharan football club, Three star, Nepal police club, Armed police force Himalayan Sherpa, WMC majdoor Sahid memorial club, Sahara club and Morang footaball association are the team  taking part from Nepal. Two foreign teams in the competition are Namchi football club of sikkim, India and Mirpur football club of Bangladesh.

 The winner of the competition will get prize of Rs Two lakh while runner up will get Cash prize of Rs one  lakh. Best player will be awarded with cash prize of 25 thousand while the highest scorer of the tournament will be given cash prize of 15 thousand.

Concert will be organized to promote the game in different cities of eastern Nepal .According to organizers. Rajesh Payal rai, Nabram Rai will be performing in the concert.

Nepal's league Champion Nepal Police club in group 3 of AFC president cup 2011!!!

The draw of the AFC president cup 2011 of third-tier  club competition which includes league champions  Clubs from 12 member associations – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan –of Asia was held on Monday at AFC House, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to the draw announced twelve league champions of their countries were grouped into three group each group containing four league champions of each country.

Logo of AFC president cup

Defending AFC President’s Cup winners Yadanarbon have been given the top seed while In the absence of Kyrgyzstan’s two-time AFC President’s Cup champions Dordoi, who lost to the Myanmar champions 1-0 in extra time in the last edition, Neftchi Kochar-Ata (Kyrgyzstan) have been seeded second.According to the draw ,Defending champions Yadanarbon of Myanmar will have to navigate uncharted waters after being drawn on Monday with debutants Jabal Al Mukaber Club of Palestine and Tajik club Istiklol for the 2011 edition of the AFC President’s Cup. Group B is completed by Bhutan’s Yeedzin FC, who played in the last edition too.

Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Crown FC will play host to Group A, which also comprises Kyrgyzstan’s Neftchi Kochkor-Ata, Bangladesh champions Abahani and Sri Lanka’s Don Bosco Sports Club.

logo of Nepal Police club

Nepal Police Club (Nepal), Taiwan Power Company (Chinese Taipei), FC Nebitchi (Turkmenistan) and WAPDA (Pakistan) form Group C, which will be played in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The group matches will be played from May 13 to 31. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the six-team finals to be played at a centralised venue. 

GROUPINGS

Group A

Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM)
Neftchi Kochkor-Ata (KGZ)
Abahani (BAN)
Don Bosco SC (SRI)

GROUP B

Yadanarbon (MYA)
Istiklol (TJK)
Jabal Al Mukaber Club (PAL)
Yeedzin FC (BHU)

GROUP C

Nepal Police Club (NEP)
Taiwan Power Company (TPE)
FC Nebitchi (TKM)
WAPDA (PAK)

 When ever match will proceed on't forget to get live update!!!!

Bollywood Actor Aamir Khan Celebrating his 46th birthday today !!!!!

The Adorably, Applauded, Magically, Intelligent, Rancho (read actor) of Bollywood Aamir Khan turns 46 today. Proudly called as the Perfectionist of B-town Aamir started his career as child artiste in the 1970's hit Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) - he was the youngest child in the trio. He 'quit' movies and went on to become the state tennis champion for Maharashtra.

From the tremendous success of ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ (1988), which was released when he was 23, he has blossomed into India's finest actor. His list of sterling performances include ‘Dil’ (1990), ‘Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin’ (1990), ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander’ (1992), ‘Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke’ (1993), ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ (1994), ‘Bollywood Dreams’ (1995), ‘Raja Hindustani’ (1996), ‘Ishq’ (1997), ‘Ghulam’ (1998) and ‘Sarfarosh’ (1999).

Using classic "method acting", Aamir carved his niche in the annals of Hindi cinema, by showing full faith in ‘Lagaan’ as a producer. Aamir proved his sense of cinematic sensibility and in 2007 he entered the Bollywood Helmers’ club with ‘Taare Zameen Par’ winning maximum applause from the industry and media alike.

In 2008 his ‘Ghajini’ wrote history in Indian Cinema by becoming the first film to cross 100 crores on the domestic Indian box office, making a total of Rs.115 crores.

His next release ‘3 Idiots’ shattered all previous records and ended up with a fantabulous figure of Rs.400 crores becoming the biggest Bollywood grosser till date.

Recently he was awarded the third highest civilian honour Padama Bhushan by the government of India.

Aamir Khan, a method actor, his range of characterizations remains unparalleled and because of this diversity and his ability to portray different characters believably on screen, today he is regarded as not only one of the biggest Superstars but also one of the finest actors of Indian Cinema.

Wish the maverick perfectionist Khan on his 46th birthday, as he makes sure that the ‘Dhoom’ (read boom) of his stardom continues to ignite the Box Office for long.

 Wish aamir khan many many happy returne of the day. You can wish him happy birthday passing comment here

Bryan Adams to be father at age of 51???

 The Canadian singer who has just performed his concert in Nepal and now in USA to ferform in live concert, Bryan Adams is set to become a father for the first time at the age of 51. Bryan Adams’s personal assistant, Alicia Grimaldi, is pregnant and she is going to give birth in May.  'His personal assistant, Alicia Grimaldi, is expecting his baby in May,' the Telegraph quoted a friend and neighbour in Chelsea of the rocker as saying.

Bryan Adams 

The source adds, 'Many of their friends still don't even know that they are a couple, but they are living together at his house.'

Alicia, who is the daughter of a leading surgeon, Peter Grimaldi, helped to establish the Bryan Adams Foundation and is one of the charity's four trustees.

The Cambridge graduate, who is in her 30s, declines to comment on her happy news. She apparently knows that Adams never discusses his love life.

Bryan Adams

23 members Nepali football team selected for AFC Challenge cup 2011!!!!

All Nepal football Association(ANFA) has announced  national football team which have 23 members  for the upcoming AFC challenge cup.

All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) on Sunday shortlisted 23 players in the third phase selection for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers scheduled to he held from April 7-11 in the capital.

The selection team headed by British coach Graham Roberts and  his assistants Upendra Man Singh and Meghraj KC selected them from among 27 players. 

Bikash Malla

MMC goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha , Three Star midfielder Yogesh Gurung, Police midfielder Yogesh Shrestha and Three Star forward Buddha Chemjong have been dropped from the list of the 27 players. Three players among the shortlisted players will again be eliminated in the final phase selection making a total of 20 players.

The penultimate list declared ahead of two friendlies against Bhutan includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards. 

Anil gurung

Nepal will play friendlies against the Druks on Thursday and Saturday in Pokhara. Bhutan National team which is playing their qualifyling match against Afghanistan later  will arrive Nepal on 15th of march .According to ANFA sources, Nepali squad will remain in Pokhara for two weeks after the friendlies to prepare for the Challenge Cup group D qualifiers.

Bhutan are playing the friendlies as a preparation for the Challenge Cup playoffs against Afghanistan scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 23 and 25. The winner among them will join other teams of group D that includes Nepal, North Korea and Sri Lanka.

Jumanu rai

Squad

Goalkeeper:
Bikash Malla, Ritesh Thapa, Kiran Chemjong,

Defenders:
Sagar Thapa, Sandip Rai, Rohit Chand, Biraj Maharjan, Rabin Shrestha, Bikash Singh Chhetri, Deepak Bhusal

Midfielders:
Nirajan Khadka, Raju Tamang, Bhola Nath Silwal, Anil Ojha, Nirajan Malla, Jagjeet Shrestha, Shiva Shrestha

Forwards:
Anil Gurung, Jumanu Rai, Santosh Sahukhala, Gansh Lawati, Sujal Shrestha, Bharat Khawas. 

Amitabh Bachan & Aamir Khan to host opening ceremony of IPL Season 4!!!!

If rumours are to be believed, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan would be hosting the opening ceremony of Indian Premier League  season four 2011.

Sources have revealed to a leading daily that three companies– Wizcraft, DNA Entertainment and Encompass - who have bid to stage the opening ceremony of IPL 2011, have listedAmitabh Bachchan in their presentations and all of them intend to have the legendary actor on board.

Amitabh bachan

Moreover, the bidders have made a detailed presentation to the IPL governing council and one of them has also shown eagerness to include actor Aamir Khan as a co-host with Big B. 

The actual cost of the ceremony will be considered while making the final decision. But if Amitabh and Aamir are both roped in to host the ceremony, be assured to witness a spectacular event at the IPL this year. I wish IPL will have great start this year.

Aamir Khan

''Munni Badnam Hui" in Guinness Book of world record!!!

A song which was the bigesst hit of 2010  Munni Badnam hui  have now reached to Guinness Book Of World Records. The super hit song from the film Dabangg- ‘Munni Badnaam Hui now finds its way to Guinness Book of World Records.

Malaika Arora in Munni Badnam Hui

While talking to media Producer Arbaaz Khan, who is currently in Australia these days, giving the details on this achievement and said, “Over 1200 people danced non-stop to ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ song at the Melbourne park beating the earlier record which was set in Singapore when 1008 people danced publicly to a song. The Guinness Book adjudicators were present and so it qualifies as a record. We now enter the Guinness Book for this distinction”.

 The Indian fans of the song are happier to have this news and this achievement the Munni's popularity popularity has gone well beyond the seven seas.

People dancing in Melbourne Park 

King Khan to Shake A Leg With pop princess Shakira in KKR New Music Video

Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan will be seen  dancing with Latin songstress Shakira in a music video for his team Kolkata Knight Riders. The song will be composed by  know music director of Indan movie industry Salim-Sulaiman(who has already given hits like chak de) and sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

The video of the song will be shot once Shahrukh wraps up the shooting of Farhan Akhtar film Don 2. Last year, Shahrukh Khan got an opportunity to meet the Waka Waka girl Shakira during the World Cup soccer final in South Africa.

It was then when Shahrukh Khan confessed to her that he was a big fan of hers. Now the duo will be seen in the music video of Kolkata Knight Riders. We are sure that it is going to be the most awaited video of the season.  Lets wait and watch the video

Videos and news of 8.9 magnitude and tsunami in japan 2011

A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake has struck off Japan's northeastern coast today (11th March 2011) at around 1:55 Pm local time, triggering a 4 meter (13 foot) tsunami that shook many tall buildings and washed away cars, along parts of the coastline.

Video showcased lots of cars, large ferries and some buildings being swept out to sea in the port city of Kamaishi in the province of Iwate.

The Japanese Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warming for the entire Pacific coast of Japan following the quake that struck about 125 kilometers off the eastern coast, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in the U.S. state of Hawaii said a tsunami warning was also in effect for Russia, Marcus Island and the Northern Marianas. It said a tsunami watch was issued for Guam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Hawaii. For live news please click here

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Photographs and video from the Earth quake and Tsunami in japan 2011!!!!

A powerful tsunami spawned by the largest earthquake in Japan's recorded history slammed the eastern coast Friday, sweeping away boats, cars, homes and people as widespread fires burned out of control. Authorities said at least 32 people were killed.

The magnitude 8.9 offshore quake was followed by at least 19 aftershocks, most of them of more than magnitude 6.0. Dozens of cities and villages along a 1,300-mile (2,100-kilometer) stretch of coastline were shaken by violent tremors that reached as far away as Tokyo, hundreds of miles (kilometers) from the epicenter.

A tsunami warning was issued for the entire Pacific, including areas as far away as South America, the entire U.S. West Coast, Canada and Alaska.

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said at least 32 people were killed. A utility company in northeastern Japan reported a fire in a turbine building of nuclear power plant.

"The earthquake has caused major damage in broad areas in northern Japan," Prime Minister Naoto Kan said at a news conference.

Even for a country used to earthquakes, this one was of horrific proportions. It unleashed a 23-foot (7-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland.

Large fishing boats and other sea vessels rode high waves into the cities, slamming against overpasses. Upturned and partially submerged vehicles were seen bobbing in the water.

Waves of muddy waters swept over farmland near the city of Sendai, carrying buildings, some on fire, inland as cars attempted to drive away. Sendai airport, north of Tokyo, was inundated with cars, trucks, buses and thick mud deposited over its runways. Fires spread through a section of the city, public broadcaster NHK reported.

The tsunami roared over embankments, washing anything in its path inland before reversing directions and carrying the cars, homes and other debris out to sea. Flames shot from some of the houses, probably because of burst gas pipes.

"Our initial assessment indicates that there has already been enormous damage," Chief government spokesman Yukio Edano said. "We will make maximum relief effort based on that assessment."

He said the Defense Ministry was sending troops to the quake-hit region. A utility aircraft and several helicopters were on the way.

A large fire erupted at the Cosmo oil refinery in Ichihara city in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo and was burning out of control with 100-foot (30 meter) -high flames whipping into the sky.

Read more news clicking here