The 10-metre tsunami, triggered by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Japan, engulfed entire towns, washing shipping containers, cars and debris across the land. At least 350 people have been killed, with the death toll expected to reach thousands, according to Japanese media.
"Our hearts and our prayers go out to all who have been affected," stated the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. "We as a church will do what we can to offer practical as well as spiritual support at this time of great suffering and great anxiety for so many."
International humanitarian organisation, Operation Blessing, is preparing to deploy a medical team equip with emergency aid such as food, water, and other relief to families affected by the disaster.
"What we're looking for here is the immediate need of the survivors," OB's vice president of international operations, Richard Danzeisen, told CBN News when asked what the greatest need in Japan is.
"Emergency issues in terms of the individuals that have been displaced right now is what is key," he said.
Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, head of the United Methodist Committee on relief, also urged prayers for those affected by the disaster.
"Once again, in the wake of disaster and in the face of widespread need, we rely on the ever-expansive generosity of United Methodists and all people of goodwill to help us respond to those whose lives have suddenly been turned upside down," she said, also adding that the UMCOR will respond as needs become clarified.
Emergency response staff from the UMCOR monitored the situation around the Pacific Rim after tsunami warnings were issued to a number of Pacific, Southeast Asian and Latin American nations.
At least five people were swept out to sea after waves triggered by the quake hit the West Coast of Northern and Southern America, while millions of dollars of damage have been reported in Crescent City, Santa Cruz.
The earthquake, which hit at 2:46pm local time, is the fifth strongest worldwide since 1900 and the seventh strongest in history, according to the US Geological Survey and Japanese seismologists.