New photographs released of tsunami hitting the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station in Japan

This picture made available by Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) shows the scene on 11 March 2011 as the tsunami washes in on the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station. Photograph: EPA

The power station's sea defences were not able to withstand the huge waves that struck the coast in Fukushima prefecture. Photograph: EPA

The defence walls crumble as the huge wave washes in. Photograph: EPA

Waves surge around storage tanks at the Fukushima nuclear plant, flinging cars around like toys. Photograph: AP

Cars bob around as in-rushing seawater batters the radioactive waste treatment facility at the nuclear power station. Photograph: EPA

Most of the cars disappear as the waters rise higher – just one can be seen, standing vertically on its nose. Photograph: Tepco/AFP/Getty Images

Building panels warp and detach as the water reaches its highest point. Photograph: Tepco/AFP/Getty Images

The extent of the damage can be glimpsed as the water recedes. Photograph: Tepco/AFP/Getty Images

Doors and walls of the nuclear power plant's buildings are battered and fractured after the tsunami struck – as are pipes, tanks and other superstructure. Photograph: Reuters