Death toll rises in Japan earthquake

Japanese authorities have found over 2,000 bodies on the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, one of the hardest hit by the earthquake. This raises the body count to over 3,000 and is still expected to rise as each hour brings new discoveries and developments.

Food, Fuel and other necessities are scarce and officials are racing to meet these requirements. Rescue operations have been hampered due to road closures and the exclusion zone due to the nuclear emergency. International relief teams have landed from various countries to assist in the recovery efforts. Survivors have been found under collapsed buildings. One woman survived the tsunami by holding on to a tree and riding a japanese mat. Thousands have been rescued, but thousands are yet to be found as families have been separated. Aid organizations are also mobilizing to help in the recovery efforts. 69 governments have promised aid including the United States, China, Australia and France. The Philippines is sending a team from the Philippine Red Cross.

The Philippine DFA has been exhausting efforts to enter the afflicted zones but have yet to report any Filipino casualties. Tokyo embassy staff will be entering the northeastern prefectures this week. Filipinos have been advised to seek shelter in police, fire stations and designated evacuation centers and get in touch with the embassy in Tokyo or the DFA hotline in the Philippines.

Naoto Kan, Japanese Prime Minister has said that this has been the biggest disaster after World War 2.

Tags: Casualties, Daiichi Nuclear Plant, Department of Foreign Affairs, DFA, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Miyagi Prefecture, Naoto Kan, OFW, Philippines, rescue