Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Friday said that while the situation at a troubled nuclear power plant in the northeast of the country remained severe, the country should unite in rebuilding the nation following the devastation caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11.

Speaking at a nationally televised news conference two weeks after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami pummeled northeast Japan, Kan said that the government has been working around the clock to support local relief efforts in areas affected by the disaster.

And he urged the nation to work as one to overcome the catastrophic events.

"We are working closely with authorities in local areas to reduce the burden on individuals and households affected by the disaster," the premier said.

"The central government and the whole of Japan should share the burden of those affected and I hope the survivors of the tragedy will summon the courage to keep moving forward," Kan said.

But the prime minister said the nation still faces trying times as the situation at the radiation-leaking Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan still remains volatile.

Kan vowed to step up efforts to monitor the situation and promptly disclose information to the Japanese people and the international community.

He also said that he had faith in the expertise of Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency and in the flow of communication between the agency, central and local governments.

"The situation today is still very grave and serious and so we must remain vigilant," Kan said.

"We will be stepping up our monitoring activity and the information will be disclosed promptly to both Japanese residents and the international community," he said, adding that the government's disclosure of information had been "transparent to date."

"We are trying to prevent the (Fukushima) situation from deteriorating and we are still not in a position where we can feel optimistic. We must treat every development with the utmost care," he said.

The earthquake that struck at 2:46 p.m. (0546 GMT) on March 11, triggered a deadly tsunami with waves up to 10 meters high that swept inland as far as 10 kilometers devouring everything in its path.

The prime minister said in the coming days and months every effort would be made to restore battered infrastructures, businesses and homes in the quake and tsunami-hit regions.

Kan noted that the distribution of relief supplies would be ramped up in the coming days and volunteer activities in all areas affected by the quake will be increased and relief efforts expanded in twine with government and local authorities' endeavors.

He highlighted that increased solidarity would help the nation overcome the historic tragedy.

"I ask all Japanese people to strengthen their unity and work as one to overcome this disaster," the prime minister said.

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