SCORES of people queued up at Liverpool town hall to sign a book of condolence for victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

Responding to the unprecedented natural disasters that have rocked the country, more than 100 people from across Merseyside left messages of sympathy for those affected.

Lord Mayor Hazel Williams and council leader Joe Anderson and other civic dignitaries opened the book yesterday.

Cllr Williams said: “No-one who has seen the footage of the aftermath of the disaster in Japan can fail to have been moved by the terrible scenes of complete and utter devastation.’’

She added: “It is impossible to imagine what the conditions must be like, and the grief that those who have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes are suffering.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan at this dreadful time and our hearts go out to all of those affected.”

Experts yesterday moved to allay fears of a Chernobyl-style disaster after Japan ordered 140,000 people to stay indoors because of leaking radiation from a stricken nuclear power station.