Escape from the tsunami: Incredible new footage shows split-second decisions that made the difference between life and death

* Woman plucked to safety as huge tidal wave engulfs town
* Buildings being swept away as its helpless citizens watch
* Cars bobbing in the sea after being overwhelmed by tsunami
* Port consumed by huge waves as boats are torn from moorings

It pulverised everything in its path, sweeping away whole towns - and 25,000 people - with the raw power of nature at its most deadly.

And confronted by a towering wall of water, these desperate Japanese had just seconds to save their own lives.

Some fled before the tsunami, hauling themselves into trees and up the side of buildings.

Others were trapped in their cars or in houses, able to do nothing but wait and pray.

Their plight has been captured on dozens of videos posted online. Many tell the incredible stories of survival against all the odds.

Some footage, however, does not have a happy ending. One of the videos below sh