Tokyo shares slump 6% in afternoon session

Pedestrians are seen in front of a share price board in Tokyo.
Pedestrians are seen in front of a share price board in Tokyo.

Tokyo shares plunged almost six percent Monday afternoon as investors reacted to the biggest earthquake in Japan's history, a devastating tsunami and an unfolding nuclear emergency.

Shares tumbled as the key index sank below 10,000 to its lowest levels since November.

The Nikkei index was down 5.95 percent, or 610.26 points, at 9,644.17.

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