The devastating earthquake has caused a major tsunami and has been followed by strong aftershocks. The official death toll stands at 686, but the government says the figure may far exceed 1,000, with drowning as the main cause.

Officials estimate the number of damaged buildings at three-thousand. They add that the tremor also triggered 200 fires. Miyagi Prefecture suffered the most destruction, as it sits near the epicenter.

Four trains operating along the country's coastline remain missing, while runways at Sendai Airport have been flooded. The nation's government says it will consider using emergency oil reserves to ensure electricity continues to flow in the disaster zone.

More than 210-thousand people are now living in temporary shelters across five heavily impacted prefectures.