Japan Reports Death Toll at 4,164 Wednesday

Japanese officials put the official death toll from last week’s earthquake and tsunami at 4,164 people Wednesday. According to Xinhua news agency, the National Police Agency said 2,207 of the dead were in Miyagi Prefecture, while 1,391 bodies were in Iwate and 511 were in Fukushima. Some 8,000 people remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue to search hard hit areas. The death toll is expected to reach over 10,000.

Nearly half a million people are homeless and living in shelters across 8 prefectures. Supplies continue to run low. Meanwhile, Emperor Akihito addressed citizens in a televised appearance on Wednesday. He urged everyone to “never give up hope.”

"I am deeply hurt by the grievous situation in the affected areas. The number of deceased and missing increases by the day we cannot know how many victims there will be,” he said. “My hope is that as many people possible are found safe.”

"I hope from the bottom of my heart that the people will, hand in hand, treat each other with compassion and overcome these difficult times," Emperor Akihito added.

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