At least 48 dead after magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Japan

At least 48 people are dead and 16 are seriously injured following a series of powerful earthquakes in Japan.

A magnitude 7.6 quake slammed the country’s west coast Monday afternoon.

Officials say thousands of buildings have been damaged and more quakes could lie ahead.

Aftershocks have continued to rumble throughout the region as late as Tuesday.

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Parts of western Japan were temporarily put under a tsunami warning following the earthquake before waves measuring more than a metre in height made it to the coastline.

The quakes have left many without water, power and cell service.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, and 1,000 soldiers have been sent to the area to assist teams in what the country’s prime minister is calling “a battle against time.”

Rescue teams are struggling to reach some areas due to the significant damage.

Japan’s meteorological agency is warning that there may be more major temblors in store in the next few days.