Japan earthqauke costliest disaster ever

Japan has estimated the total cost of the damage suffered from it's devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami could reach 309 billion dollars, making it the most costly natural disaster in the history of the world. The estimate includes damage to roads, homes, factories and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, officials in Tokyo are warning residents not to give babies tap water because of leaking radiation from the crippled nuclear power plant at Fukushima. Concern is growing over food safety from radiation  and the United States has blocked some food imports from Japan.

Authorities are still trying to bring the damaged plant under control, however work is often interrupted by conditions that warrant evacuation and stoppage of work.

The 9.0 quake and tsunami has left over 23,000 people dead or missing in Japan.