Japan quake: Worst crisis since WWII

Prime Minister Naoto Kan has said Japan is experiencing its greatest hardships since World War II as it tackles the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami and a growing nuclear crisis. He said the situation at the quake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant remained grave, a day after an explosion at a reactor. Japanese broadcaster NHK says the total number of confirmed deaths caused by the disaster now stands at 1,596. But police warn that the death toll in Miyagi region alone could top 10,000. The authorities are stepping up relief efforts as the scale of the tragedy becomes clearer. Huge numbers of survivors are gathered in emergency shelters, and many people are without fresh running water, heat and power.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12726297

Jamie Alt