You're listening to a download from the BBC, this is from our own correspondent.

You can hear the version of the program broadcast on the World Service by following the link to the I player on the top of our website.

To keep up with our latest reports and get a sneak preview of the stories you can sign up to

our Twitter feed as well.

But now with the edition broadcasts on Radio 4, here's Kate Aide.

Today waiting for the big one, how a constant fear of catastrophe is woven into the Japanese

psyche.

Fury and bloodshed in the country which used to be one of Africa's great success stories.

The little reported insurgencies in northeast India which are costing hundreds of lives.

And amid all this international mayhem, time for a fantastic morning of fun at Mr Wu's robot

factory in China.

The earthquake which yesterday struck Japan, sending tidal waves rippling out across the Pacific

ocean, was one of the strongest ever recorded there.

The television pictures showing black walls of water sweeping away cars, boats and houses

give some idea of how terrifying it must be to be caught up in such an event.

Yet earthquakes are so frequent in Japan, people are to some

extent prepared for them. Hugh Levinson says expecting the worst has become a part of

the national culture.

The first indication was a humming and a rattling.

Hundreds of upturned beer glasses on wooden shelves, shaking from side to side,

then knocking into each other.

Conversation dimming, then stopping completely.

...