A major earthquake hits Japan: 4 people killed, and the government advises residents to remain vigilant

The exact extent of the damage is not yet clear. It's dark in Japan now. But the pictures show that there is significant damage in some places. For example, a major fire broke out in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Dozens of homes also collapsed in the same city. According to the government, at least six people were buried under the rubble. It is not known what condition they are in.

Ishikawa's crisis management team confirmed that four people had been killed in the prefecture. Thirty other people were injured. Two of them are said to be in serious condition.

There is a death in Shika City. The man died when the building collapsed. There are also dozens of wounded scattered throughout the affected area. The army is sending about a thousand soldiers to the area to assist in rescue efforts.

More people may have been buried under the rubble. Ishikawa Fire Services say they received several calls about collapsed homes and people who may not have been able to escape in time.

Train traffic was also suspended, and highways near the epicenter were closed. Many roads are impassable anyway due to large cracks in the asphalt. More than 36 thousand homes will be without electricity.