More than 12,000 people have been confirmed dead so far in the March 11th massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit northeastern Japan.

The highest number of deaths was reported in Miyagi Prefecture -- 7,318 -- followed by 3,518 in neighboring Iwate Prefecture. Other deaths were reported in a wide area of eastern Japan, including 7 in Tokyo.

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The authorities say the number of dead could increase further, as some local municipalities have been unable to assess the number of missing people because they were devastated by tsunami.