Japan earthquake and tsunami: President Barack Obama speaks of potential 'catastrophic' disaster

Sunday 13th. March,2011:7:08am

President Barack Obama says the earthquake and tsunami in Japan are a potentially "catastrophic" disaster, and he says his thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people.

He told a White House news conference the US is prepared to send whatever assistance Japan requests.

He says one aircraft carrier is already in Japan and another is on its way.Tsunami waves have also swamped Hawaii beaches and brushed the US west coast.

Obama says that his administration is monitoring the impact of the tsunami on the US closely.

He told residents to take warnings from local officials seriously and evacuate if told to do so.

·                                

http://www.mirror.co.uk