Now let's look at the current situation, in regions that were hardest hit, by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

 

In Miyagi prefecture, the town of South Sanrikucho has been totally overwhelmed by the Tsunami.

The surrounding countryside and farmland are virtually submerged and numerous buildings in coastal areas were simply swept away.

A nearby oil plant remains in flame following a large explosion.

Survivors are still waiting for help, but the search for survivors is continuing around the clock. Of an estimated population of 18,000 resident, 10,000 of the town's residents are still unaccounted for.

Survivors have been evacuated from Natori, 15 kilometers from Sendai, one of the areas hardest hit by the tsunami.

The coastal area of the city is now a mess, and local authorities have provided a list of names of refugees for families searching for their relatives.

Many, however, have been unable to find their loved ones.

City Official, said, "The exact death toll from the disaster is unknown. but we expect the number will be huge. So far, only 20 bodies have been identified. We are now also doing our best to count the number of the missing."

In the worst-affected regions, many areas remain in chaos, with roads inaccessible, public transportation at a total halt and power and telecommunication networks completely out of service.