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Speedways towards tsunami-hit Japanese regions blocked

By IANS,

Natori (Japan) : Japanese authorities have blocked several speedways towards tsunami and tremor-hit regions to ensure that rescue vehicles are not hampered in any way, reports a RIA Novosti correspondent.

Japan’s northeastern Fukushima prefecture, one of the most seriously affected by the 9 magnitude quake and the tsunami, suffers a shortage of petrol and lines of cars can be seen waiting near fuel stations.

Natori, a town in Miyagi prefecture, still suffers a massive power outage, resembling an abandoned area with lights coming from several single buildings.

There is no drinking water and food in the town, Saito, a 60-year-old taxi-driver, said.

He said the tsunami had devastated the eastern part of the town.

“It was a tsunami wave, not the quake that swept away the buildings from the coastal line.”

“When the earthquake started, I was in my car. I thought I would die,” Saito said.

On March 11, known as Black Friday, Japan was stricken by the strongest earthquake in 78 years. It triggered a 10-meter tsunami wave that swept away people, houses and cars.

On Sunday, Miyagi prefecture police chief Naoto Takeuchi said the toll could go over 10,000.