The March 11 quake was the largest ever recorded in Japan and is the world's fifth largest earthquake to strike since 1900, according to the USGS. It struck offshore about 231 miles (373 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo and 80 miles (130 km) east of the city of Sendai, and created a massive tsunami that has devastated Japan's northeastern coastal areas. At least 20 aftershocks registering a 6.0 magnitude or higher have followed the main temblor.
　　根据美国地质调查局，3月11日大地震是日本有史以来最大的地震，也是1900年以来全球五大地震之一。地震发生在距东京东北部231英里（373千米）、仙台市以东80英里（130千米）的近海处，引发的巨大海啸摧毁了日本东北部的沿海地区。在主震过后，至少又发生了20次6级以上的余震。