By IANS,
Tokyo : The catastrophic earthquake and ensuing tsunami that hit Japan March 11 have left 8,928 people dead, while at least 12,664 are still unaccounted for, Xinhua reported citing the National Police Agency.
The magnitude-9 quake that hit the Pacific coastal areas of northeast Japan triggered an enormous tsunami that also led to explosions in three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
The operator of the troubled power plant resumed efforts Tuesday to restore power at the reactors a day after gray smoke from a reactor building halted their efforts, DPA reported.
Smoke seen pouring from the reactor No.3 building forced workers to suspend operations Monday to restore power at the six-reactor plant, 250 km northeast of Tokyo. No explanation was offered by government officials.