A monstrous 8.9-magnitude smashed Japan on Friday, which in turn triggered a massive tsunami, leaving hundreds dead and thousands homeless.
The confirmed death toll has reached 700 and could rise to above 1,000, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. Japan has deployed thousands of rescue workers to search for survivors in desperate need of aid.
The northeastern coast was hit hardest, causing an explosion at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Japanese officials flooded the plant with seawater in an attempt to prevent a major nuclear meltdown.
Sony and other Japanese developers have offered updates via Twitter on their current statuses.
"I just got confirmation that SCEJ and SCEI are fine," wrote Cade Peterson of Sony Computer Entertainment. "WHEW!"
"I was able to return to my house at long last," said Yoshinori Ono, a producer at Capcom who worked on the original Street Fighter games. "Now charging iPhone and C.Phone. I confirmed safety of SF’s Staff."
Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture (Credit: European Pressphoto Agency)
"I’m alright," tweeted Konami’s Hideo Kojima. "We have to do our best. The situation is different from the Hanshin earthquake. We are connected to each other via twitter and facebook."
"All members at Grasshopper Manufacture are fine," wrote Suda 51. "Thank you for all your concerns and your support."
"We are safe here at our Osaka and Tokyo offices, but more importantly, our hearts go out to everyone effected by the earthquake in Japan." tweeted Platinum Games.
"The earthquake. We are OK," said Square Enix. "Thanks for your messages!"
Please consider donating money to help those affected by this devastating natural disaster. CNN has cobbled together a list of how you can help. One simple way is to text "redcross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the organization.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
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UPDATE: The death toll estimate has risen dramatically — to over 10,000 — reports The New York Times.