The Aftermath of the Powerful Quake and Tsunami that Devastated Northern Japan

Currently reporting more than 1,000 people dead and 785 missing but the figure is growing and the conditions are such that communications are extremely difficult.



A woman carrying a child on her back walks over debris in Rikuzentakada, Iwate Prefecture on Saturday morning. Photograph: AP



Rescuers struggled to reach survivors on Saturday morning as Japan reeled after an earthquake and a tsunami struck in deadly tandem.

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake set off a devastating tsunami that sent walls of water washing over coastal cities in the north.

Concerns mounted over possible explosion and radiation leaks from two nuclear plants near the earthquake zone.