Death toll reaches 13,498 in Japan

Xinhua, April 15, 2011

The National Police Agency said on Thursday that the March 11 earthquake and tsunami have left 13,498 people dead and 14,734 others unaccounted for in Japan by 19:00 p. m. local time (1000 GMT).

About 139,000 survivors are staying in 2,300 shelters across the country as one month has passed since the quake and tsunami.

A 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific coastal areas of northeastern and eastern Japan on March 11, triggering enormous tsunami.

Heavy casualties and extensive damage have been caused by the twin disasters.