1.The earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of Japan's Honshu island.

2.The tsunami caused by the earthquake.

3.Waves estimated to be as high as 38 meters, the height of a 12-story building.

4.Close to 500,000 people were evacuated.

5.Tsunami waves also swept across the Pacific, causing damage or disruptions in Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.