Japan amid largest earthquake
Update: 30 dead, scores seriously injured in Japan’s largest earthquake
At least 30 people are said to have been killed after Japan was hit by an earthquake on New Year’s Day.
Authorities in Wajima city confirmed the deaths, adding seven others were seriously injured, SkyNews reports.
Aftershocks continued to affect the Ishikawa prefecture – the worst-hit area in the relatively remote Noto peninsula – a day after the 7.6-magnitude quake.
Some locals were warned to stay away from their homes because of a risk of further strong quakes.
The death toll rises as rescuers struggle to reach worst-hit areas.
The 7.6-magnitude quake struck in mid-afternoon Japan time, causing residents in coastal areas to flee to higher ground as tsunami warnings were issued.
Thousands of army personnel, firefighters and police officers from across Japan are being sent to the worst-hit area in the relatively remote Noto peninsula, Ishikawa prefecture.
But rescue efforts have been hampered by badly damaged and blocked roads in the region, and one of the area’s airports has forced to close because of cracks on its runway.
Kyodo news agency, citing local authorities, said more than 20 people had now died.
Public broadcaster NHK said 15 were killed just in the town of Wajima, Ishikawa.