Never give up hope: Emperor

Emperor Akihito addresses Japanese nation over triple disasters in first-ever TV interview, urges people to 'share the burden'

Never give up hope: Emperor

Emperor Akihito addresses Japanese nation over triple disasters in first-ever TV interview, urges people to 'share the burden'

No respite: A rescue worker battles the snow, which started to fall in Japan
compounding issues even further. Pics/AFP

"I truly hope the victims of the disaster never give up hope, take care of themselves, and live strong for tomorrow," said the dignified and understated Emperor Akihito, in a calm and poignant oration delivered from the Imperial Palace.

"I sincerely hope that we can keep the situation from getting worse," Akihito (77), said. "I think it is important for all of us, in various ways and however small, to share the burden of the difficult period that the victims now face."

Akihito, wearing a dark suit and gray tie, said he was praying for the country. He thanked rescue workers who have been tirelessly mining rubble for survivors along the nation's coast. The emperor's prerecorded statement came five days after a 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami left thousands dead, devastated the coastline, triggered dangerous meltdowns at nuclear power facilities and disrupted Japan's stock market and supplies of gas, food and other necessities.

"I, from the bottom of my heart, hope that we will all continue to hold hands, paying consideration to one another, overcome this unfortunate period," Akihito said, using the formal, solemn language of Japanese royal communications.With lingering fears over the inability to stabilise dangerous nuclear power plants, Japan's collective fear and suffering has yet to ebb.

Deathtoll
The National Police Agency released updated numbers of the dead and missing last afternoon: 3,771 confirmed fatalities, 8,181 officially missing. Nearly 4,50,000 people are believed to be displaced from their homes in the northern coastal regions and crammed into shelters. Many are still waiting for resources and aid to reach them.

No recovery
Snow and cold conditions yesterday have only compounded delivery issues, and Thursday's forecast looks similarly dire. Elsewhere, however, signs of recovery are few. Aftershocks continue to rock the eastern part of the country, and a 6.0-magnitude quake shook buildings in Tokyo yesterday. Plumes of white steam billowed from Unit 3 of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and by late last afternoon, plans to cool the sector with seawater dropped from a helicopter were deemed too dangerous and had to be abandoned.

4,50,000
Number of people who have been displaced by the earthquake and the tsunami

$250,000
Collections (Rs 1.15 crore) made by Lady Gaga for Japan victims through the sale of her bracelet

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