What Caused The Earthquake?
Earthquakes are caused by the shifting of plates inside the Earth. This specific one happened when the Philippine plate suddenly ruptured, thrusting a 60 by 60 mile portion onto against the Eurasian continental plate. This action produced a massive burst of tectonic energy, which caused the quaking.
What Caused The Tsunami?
When the plates shifted, a large amount of water was displaced. It moved as a wave toward land. While it went, it slowed but gained water until it reached 40 feet and crashed onto the coast in Yokohara.
What Happened to the Land?
Because the magnitude was so high, underground pipes burst, and the ground split in some parts. Nearly everything was covered in rubble and ash from the fire. Vegetation was burnt away, so the land may not have been as fertile as it used to be.