Making a reference in the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari said the extent of destruction suggests that the death toll may be significantly higher.
A large-scale destruction of infrastructure and property has taken place in Japan. The Chairman said it is a tragedy of incalculable magnitude. Later, members stood in silence as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the catastrophe. In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Meira Kumar made a reference to the tragedy. Members observed silence to pay homage to the victims.