At least 30 dead after giant earthquake in Japan

 

 

TT-AFP

 

Published 04:04Updated 07:49

 

Cars under a collapsed building. Picture from Wednesday. Photo: Hiro Komae/AP/TT

A strong earthquake hit Japan earlier this week.

The death toll has now risen to at least 30 people, according to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Four bodies have been retrieved from the shopping mall where part of a floor collapsed in connection with the earthquake, officials in Kumamoto announced.

The earthquake – with a magnitude of 6.8 – occurred on Tuesday on the southern island of Kyushu, causing several collapsed buildings as a result.

An intensive search for survivors has since been underway. Several people are reported to be injured.

Tuesday's major earthquake has been followed by a number of aftershocks that have complicated rescue efforts.

The quake has also caused extensive damage to other buildings and bridges. It has also caused fires, and tens of thousands of residents have been left without power and water.