Japanese emperor addresses nation

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TOKYO, JP (NEWS1130) – Japanese Emperor Akihito made a rare televised public address today, expressing his condolences to the victims of his country’s massive earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.

“I feel deep sorrow for the people who [have suffered] this terrible disaster,” he said, encouraging the nation not to give up. “With the help of those involved I hope things will not get worse.”

The 77-year-old emperor said he is “deeply” concerned about the “unpredictable” and worsening nuclear situation at the Fukushima Daiichi plant after a surge in radiation levels caused workers to withdraw.

More than 11,000 people are feared dead or missing following Friday’s double disaster in Japan. The cold weather has also created problems in the decimated northeast. Rescuers have reported some victims have been exposed to the cold, snow, sleet and rain for days.

The rescue work is being hampered by hundreds of aftershocks, like a magnitude 6 rattled the northeast today. There were two aftershocks yesterday afternoon, measuring 6 and 6.2, causing buildings in Tokyo to sway.

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