Japan’s Emperor Akihito on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the nation’s escalating nuclear crisis and said he was praying for the safety of people.

It was the first time in the history of Japan that the emperor addressed his nation on television during a crisis, according to the country’s Imperial Household Agency. Akihito, 77, told the public that he was “deeply worried” about the nuclear crisis, which escalated to the point that plant workers had to be temporarily evacuated on Wednesday.

“The number of people killed is increasing day by day and we do not know how many people have fallen victim,” Akihito said.

“I pray for the safety of as many people as possible,” he said.

He also mentioned the severe conditions that survivors are living in – bitter cold and shortage of water and fuel – and said, “I cannot help praying that rescue work is done swiftly and people’s lives get better, even a little.”

By Wednesday afternoon, the official death toll had soared to 3,676 confirmed dead and 7,558 unaccounted for, according to the nation’s police agency. But authorities say it is likely that more than 10,000 people died in the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami disasters that struck the nation on March 11.

The United States Geological Survey recorded 54 aftershocks in Japan by midafternoon Wednesday. Four of the earthquakes had magnitudes greater than 6.0.

“I hope from the bottom of my heart that the people will, hand in hand, treat each other with compassion and overcome these difficult times,” Akihito said in the video message.

The emperor particularly highlighted the “unpredictable” situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant about 150 miles north of Tokyo. Another fire broke out at the facility early on Wednesday at reactor No. 4.

The situation at No. 4 is “not so good” and No. 3 is the “priority,” said a plant operator, according to Reuters.

Since the twin disasters on Friday, workers have been frantically trying to cool down the rods to avoid a potential nuclear meltdown.

On Tuesday, authorities reduced the 750 workers at the power plant down to 50. And all of the remaining workers were temporarily evacuated Wednesday because the radiation levels were dangerously high.

In the video message, the emperor thanked domestic and international rescue workers who are responding to the disaster.

Cpost