JAPAN WAS battling to avert a major nuclear disaster today in the wake of the terrifying tsunami which is fear-ed to have already claimed more than 10,000 lives.

A huge explosion ripped through the Fukushima nuclear plant this morning, sending white smoke billowing into the skies.

Officials said radioactivity was running at 20 times the normal level.

The Japanese government announced a state of emergency, and chief cabinet secretary Yukio Edano told a news conference: “It’s possible that radioactive material in the reactor vessel could leak outside.” It came as rescue workers began the traumatising task of sifting through wrecked communities searching for survivors, with Britain among more than 50 nations pledging foreign aid.

The massive earthquake – 8,000 times stronger than the one that hit New Zealand last month – sent a catastrophic 33-foot tsunami hurtling across the Pacific Ocean.

Thousands were forced to flee for their lives as the 100mph wall of water bore down on them, sweeping away everything in its path.

Miles from the ocean’s edge weary, mud-spattered survivors today wandered streets strewn with fallen trees, crumpled cars, and even small planes.

Some stopped to pray over what remained of their loved ones’ homes.

Shropshire IT consultant Dave Windsor, from Dawley, Telford, was working in a Tokyo office block when the earthquake struck. He said: “Scenes are almost too astonishing to believe. Everyone was so helpless.”

He said several work colleagues had headed to the coast at daybreak to join the search for friends and relatives. “Grown men have been crying — your heart goes out to them.”

A West Midlands teacher who was feared to be among the thousands still missing has been found safe and well, her family said today.

Hannah Craggs

Hannah Craggs’ worried parents, from Wolverhampton, had told how they were anxiously awaiting news about their “brave” daughter, who is in Japan teaching English and lives close to Sendai which bore the brunt of yesterday’s devastation.

But the 27-year-old is safe, her family said.

Her mother Karen said: “She had been staying with her friend and couldn’t get in touch because power and telephones were down. But we are so relieved to find out she is safe and well.

“And we are now hoping to welcome her home for a visit on March 23.”