A rescue worker lifts a young boy out of earthquake rubble. (Fuji TV screen shot)
The death toll has reached 202 people, and more than 1000 people are still missing, after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit Japan Friday, the largest earthquake in Japanese history, and triggered a 13-foot tsunami. (American media are reporting an 8.9-magnitude earthquake, while Japanese media are reporting M8.8.)
Four trains wiped out in the tsunami in Miyaki and Iwate prefectures are still unaccounted for.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan ordered the local government in Fukushima Prefecture to evacuate 3000 people living within a 10-kilometer radius of Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, fearing a radiation leak. Kan has since told President Barack Obama that there were no radiation leaks. However, new reports are suggesting radiation may have already leaked.
The U.S. State Department issued an alert advising Americans to avoid non-essential travel to Japan. One U.S. carrier is already in Japan, and another is one the way to assist in recovery efforts.
The Japanese media are advising women and children not to go out alone in affected areas, fearing crime. However, I have yet to hear reports of crime or looting.
Obama said during a White House news conference, “Our hearts go out to our friends in Japan and across the region, and we’re going to stand with them as they recover and rebuild from this tragedy.”
More updates as they come in…
Smoke blocks out the morning sun in Iwate Prefecture. (Fuji TV screen shot)