Japan quake toll rises to over 8,900

The magnitude-9 quake that hit the Pacific coastal areas of northeast Japan triggered an enormous tsunami that also led to explosions in three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

The operator of the troubled power plant resumed efforts Tuesday to restore power at the reactors a day after gray smoke from a reactor building halted their efforts, DPA reported.
Smoke seen pouring from the reactor No.3 building forced workers to suspend operations Monday to restore power at the six-reactor plant, 250 km northeast of Tokyo. No explanation was offered by government officials.