The number of people confirmed dead or missing in Japan after a massive earthquake and tsunami has risen to almost 11,000, the Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday, dpa reported
The National Police Agency was quoted as saying that 3,373 people had been confirmed dead in 12 prefectures, while 7,558 remained missing as of 10 pm (0100 GMT).
It is the first time since 1923 that a natural disaster in Japan has caused more than 10,000 deaths and disappearances.
However, the death toll is expected to rise further and possibly run into the tens of thousands.
Officials said hospitals were having trouble coping due to a shortage in morgue space and coffins, along with the inability to produce dry ice to store bodies amid continuing power outages.