Japan death toll to exceed 10000

A massive tsunami sweeps in to engulf a residential area after a powerful earthquake in Natori, (REUTERS/KYODO) 

A massive 8.9-magnitude quake hit northeast Japan on Friday (March 11,2011), causing thousands of deaths, more than 80 fires, and a 10-meter (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline. Homes were swept away and damage is extensive. 


The present scenario:


The government has warned of a possible explosion at a second reactor building at the earthquake-damaged Fukushima 1 power station. But it says the reactor, which contains plutonium as well as uranium, should be protected by its metal casing.


More than 200,000 people are being evacuated from the area around Fukushima 1 and its sister plant, Fukushima 2 (both are in Fukushima prefecture).


At least 1,300 people are thought to have died, but police have warned that the death toll in tsunami-hit Miyagi prefecture alone could exceed 10,000.


Nationwide, more than 300,000 people have been evacuated.


Three US warships are off the coast to help in the Japanese government's huge relief effort.




Live page reporters: David Gritten, Aidan Lewis, Patrick Jackson and Joe Boyle. BBC NEWS