The National Police Agency of Japan said on Tuesday that the catastrophic earthquake and ensuing tsunami have left 11,082 people dead and 16,717 others unaccounted for in Japan by 15:00 p.m. local time (0600 GMT).

A 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific coastal areas of northeastern and eastern Japan on March 11, triggering an enormous tsunami.

Heavy casualties and extensive damage have been caused by the twin disasters.