Japan lifts tsunami warning but warns of 'widespread' earthquake.

A powerful earthquake struck off the central coast of Japan on New Year's Day, killing at least 48 people. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that the death toll could rise further as the damage was "extensive". A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture on Monday afternoon, marking the first major tsunami warning issued in Japan since the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed an estimated 18,500 people.

Prime Minister Kishida said on Tuesday that "significant damage" had been confirmed as the quake destroyed buildings and sparked a fire. "There were many casualties," he said, adding: "Rescuing the victims will be a race against time."

Authorities said damaged roads were hampering rescue efforts and making it difficult to fully assess the extent of the damage. Authorities warned residents in some areas to stay away from their homes due to the risk of an earthquake. Earthquakes continue in Ishikawa Prefecture. However, the first tsunami warning, which was later downgraded by one level, was lifted on Tuesday morning.

Kyodo News, citing local authorities, reported that more than 20 people died in the natural disaster. Public broadcaster NHK reported that 15 people were killed and 14 were trapped in a collapsed building in the village of Wajima, near the epicenter. In nearby Suzu, some doctors were unable to reach hospitals that rely on backup generators for power. Japan's disaster management agency said Tuesday morning it had received unconfirmed reports of 19 deaths, but official updates on casualties are rare.

There have been 155 earthquakes in Japan since Monday's first quake, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Wajima was hit by a tsunami of at least 1.2 meters (4 feet), and aviation news reported that a seven-story building collapsed into the harbor and a large fire was extinguished.

As the fire tore through the rows of houses, people took refuge in the darkness, some with blankets, others with babies. Nobuko Sugimori, 74, who lives in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, said he had never seen an earthquake like this before.

"I tried to hold the TV so it wouldn't fall, but it was shaking so badly I couldn't stop it from rocking back and forth," Sugimori spoke to Reuters from his home, where a large crack in the front wall had ended. And there is furniture scattered throughout the interior. Across the street, 73-year-old Fujiko Ueno counted her blessings.

He said about 20 people were at his home celebrating the New Year when the quake struck, but no one was injured. "It all happened in an instant." He said as he stood on the street amidst the debris and mud flowing from the cracked roads.

About 100,000 people were evacuated from nine prefectures and spent the night in gymnasiums and gymnasiums, which are often used as emergency shelters in Japan. About 33,000 households were without power in Ishikawa Prefecture on Tuesday morning, according to the Hokuriku Electric Power Company website. According to NHK, there are many areas without water in the north of the Noto Peninsula. Due to the accident, the Imperial Household Agency canceled the New Year visit of Emperor Naruhito and Queen Masako scheduled for Tuesday.

Japan's allies have expressed concern about the disaster and expressed willingness to help. “As close allies, the United States and Japan share a deep bond of friendship that unites our people. "Our thoughts are with the people of Japan at this difficult time," US President Joe Biden said in a statement. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed "solidarity" and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences and support.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was monitoring the situation. "My condolences to all those affected by the earthquake in Japan," he said.