Four confirmed dead after earthquake rocks Japan

A major 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the western coast of Japan this morning, and officials ordered coastal residents to evacuate immediately.

The powerful quake damaged homes and roads, and was followed by dozens of large aftershocks.

Tsunami advisories are still in place, as residents brace for the possibility of more destruction.

Officials are just starting to get a handle on the level of damage this natural disaster has caused.

At this point, we’re hearing at least four people are dead – and that number is expected to rise as people are trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings.