The number of people dead or missing in Japan after a massive earthquake and tsunami has risen to 11,000, the National Police Agency of the country told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
The National Police Agency was quoted as saying that 3,676 people had been confirmed dead in 12 prefectures, while 7,558 remained missing as of 8 am (11 pm GMT). 1990 people were wounded.
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.