Japan Earthquake Death Toll

Hundreds killed in tsunami after 8.9 Japan quake

A state of emergency has been declared at a nuclear power plant, where pressure has exceeded normal levels.

Officials say 350 people are dead and about 500 missing, but it is feared the final death toll will be much greater.

In one ward alone in Sendai, a port city in Miyagi prefecture, 200 to 300 bodies were found.

Japan Earthquake Death Toll

Japan Earthquake Death Toll

Even for a country used to earthquakes, this one was of horrific proportions because of the tsunami that crashed ashore, swallowing everything in its path as it surged several miles (kilometers) inland before retreating. The apocalyptic images of surging water and uncontrolled conflagrations broadcast by Japanese TV networks resembled scenes from a Hollywood disaster movie.

Large fishing boats and other sea vessels rode high waves into the cities, slamming against overpasses or scraping under them and snapping power lines along the way. Upturned and partially submerged vehicles were seen bobbing in the water. Ships anchored in ports crashed against each other.

Japan Earthquake Death Toll

Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the "enormously powerful" earthquake had caused "tremendous damage over a wide area."

Japan Earthquake Death Toll

Japan Earthquake Death Toll