BRITONS in Japan have spoken of their terror as the enormous earthquake struck.

Even for a country used to earthquakes, this one was of horrific proportions the largest the Pacific rim nation has ever faced, with a tsunami that crashed ashore, submerging everything in its path as it surged several miles inland before retreating.

Apocalyptic images on Japanese TV showing powerful, debris-filled waves, uncontrolled fires and a ship caught in a massive whirlpool resembled scenes from a Hollywood disaster film.

Waves of muddy waters flowed over farmland near Sendai, carrying buildings, some of them ablaze.

Upturned and partially submerged cars bobbed in the water.

First person accounts and videos are here: