The Death Toll Continues to Rise in Japan

Across the coastlines of Miyagi, over 2,000 bodies washed ashore. The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami has left people searching to find their family and loved ones. Rescue workers continued to run out of body bags as the death toll continues to rise.

In Japan, people often choose to cremate their loved ones rather than bury underground. This cremation process is like a burial, but requires permission from the local authorities. On Monday, the government took an amazing step to speed up the funerals by waiving the usual requirements, according to Yahoo.

Millions of people are without food, heat, or water in the almost-freezing temperatures across the northeast. This area was devastated by the natural disaster. Unfortunately, this isn't the only concern right now as a third reactor at the nuclear plant lost is cooling capacity. As a result, mass fears of a meltdown continue.

The search parties arrived to find a dismal discovery. Destruction was all around. There were ships flipped completely over, cars were in tatters, power lines were twisted, roofs were scattered, bodies dead and even more missing.

Even with the 2,800 already declared dead, 1,400 are still missing, with even more injured. These numbers are just the beginning as the death toll continues to rise. Even though officials do not want to speculate, the waiting period begins as search parties look for any signs of life. The only thing they can do is continue the search and pray for miracles.

In the aftermath of the 2004 Asian tsunami, there were 230,000 people killed; of those dead, only 184,000 were even found. This gives officials little hope that they will not continue finding bodies.

The battered Japanese coast has been hit by hundreds of aftershocks since Friday, with the latest shake at a 6.2 magnitude. This was followed by another tsunami scare on Monday. The sirens alerted residents of Soma to run to higher ground. Soldiers abandoned their stations to warn the residents and help them to safety.

Electricity will take time, money, and resources to finally be restored for those living in the horrendous conditions. There is help on the way, as the Japanese government has sent aid supplies: 120,000 bottles of water; 120,000 blankets; and 29,000 gallons of gasoline plus food.

Friday's double natural disaster has caused devastation in Japan. As a result of the tragedy, the stock market plunged because of the possible losses to companies like Honda and Toyota. These industries are vital to the Japanese economy. We can only watch and pray for a quick recovery to this ravaged country.

Watch the Tsunami in Japan Footage