Death Toll in Japan Earthquake Tops 2,700, Thousands Remain Missing

After another day of sifting through rubble, the official death toll in Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami rose to over 2,400 people. The National Police Agency confirmed 2,734 people are dead while 3,118 people have been reported missing.

In Miyagi Prefecture, the situation looks even grimmer. The police chief of the area said the number of dead is expected to reach 10,000 or more in Miyagi alone. A massive search has been launched, but rescue workers say lingering floodwater from the tsunami makes it hard to conduct searches.

Meanwhile, officials and funeral homes are struggling to deal with disposing of bodies. Coffins and body bags are in short supply. “We have requested funeral homes across the national to send us many body bags and coffins. But we simply don’t have enough,” said an official of the hard hit Iwate Prefecture.

Supplies for the living are also running out. Many people are without any kind of shelter, blankets or heat. Food, water and fuel are also running out.

 ###

Click here for more World News