The death toll following Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami could exceed 10,000 in one region alone, police have warned.
A regional police chief told reporters that at least that number of fatalaties was likely in Miyagi prefecture, one of the worst hit parts of the country.
"There is no doubt that the number will reach the 10,000-level," said Naoto Takeuchi.
Japan continues to be hit by aftershocks- having suffered more than 150 so far - with one measuring 6.2 hitting its eastern coast and causing buildings to sway in the capital Tokyo.
The country's meterological agency has upgraded the biggest quake in the its history to 9.0 - saying it involved an unprecedented three 'megaquakes' in quick succession.
Around 10,000 people are also unaccounted for in the port of Minamisanriku - half of the town's population.
The confirmed death toll from the combined disasters stands at 1,200, while at least 1,000 people have been injured and more than 700 are missing.
That does not include 300 to 400 bodies the Japanese military said were found in Rikuzentakata, where a wave barrelled into the densely-packed town.
Nor does it account for 200 to 300 bodies found on beaches near Sendai, with officials still assessing the devastation in the northeastern port of one million people.
An estimated 30,000 people are in temporary shelters, authorities say.
International rescue teams are en-route to Japan, as the country's government said almost 2.5m homes were without electricity.
Britain has sent a 59-strong search and rescue team with two rescue dogs, a medical support unit and 11 tons of specialist rescue equipment including heavy lifting and cutting gear.
And US aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan has arrived off the coast of Japan to provide logistical support for Japanese forces.
Japan has asked it to refuel its helicopters and help transport its troops to affected areas.
A 144-member rescue team of the US Agency for International Development is also due at Misawa, northern Japan, later to join inland operations.
France is sending two civil security teams to help with rescue efforts.
And Australia, South Korea and Singapore have all pledged to send sniffer dogs and search and rescue teams.
A part of Kamaishi, before and after the tsunami. pic: Google GeoEye
Hiromitsu Shinkawa was discovered clinging to the wreckage of his house by the Maritime Self-Defence Force in waters off Fukushima prefecture.
Around 200,000 people have been evacuated as officials work to prevent a meltdown at a nuclear power plant hit by the eathquake and tsunami.