Toll in Japan earthquake rises to 15,500

Another 7,306 people remain missing after the twin disasters in Japan.

Moscow: The toll from the magnitude-9 earthquake and ensuing tsunami which struck north-east Japan on March 11 has risen to 15,500, police said on Sunday.

Another 7,306 people remain missing after the twin disasters which destroyed infrastructure and triggered a major crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Work is continuing to stabilise the crippled plant which is still leaking radioactive material.

Last month, Japan`s Parliament passed a USD 49 billion emergency budget for reconstruction following the March disaster. A small extra budget is due to be submitted to Parliament next month.

In a statement last week, Japan`s government said the direct material damage from the disaster stood at USD 210 billion.

IANS