Japan earthquake leaves at least 48 dead

At least 48 people have been confirmed dead from the powerful New Year’s Day earthquake that hit off the western coast of Japan. The magnitude 7.6 quake caused notable damage in Ishikawa prefecture on Honshu island, flattening dozens of homes and buildings and trapping an unknown number of people in the rubble.

The earthquake also triggered tsunami waves of more than one meter, causing additional destruction along the coast. Roads have been split, and a runway at one regional airport cracked, making it challenging for emergency officials to assess the extent of the damage.