Multiple deaths reported following powerful earthquake in Japan

Books are scattered at a bookstore in Niigata, Japan, following an earthquake Monday.
Books are scattered at a bookstore in Niigata, Japan, following an earthquake Monday.

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck the west coast of Japan on Monday and reportedly killed at least four people.

The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings that were later lifted; however, tsunami advisories continued due to aftershocks.

The earthquake was centered 26 miles from Anamizu, Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed parts of the area had experienced a tsunami on Monday.

A hospital in Suzu City said several people have been transported with injuries, Japanese news agency NHK reported. A hospital in Wajima City confirmed to NHK that it was treating patients in a parking lot.

A fire was also reported in the city center of Wajima City related to the earthquake. There were also reportedly people trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings.

In addition to the magnitude 7.5 earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey reported dozens of aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.2 quake. Officials warned that the region could be prone to damaging aftershocks in the hours and days following Monday's earthquake.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered emergency resources to the area as the region deals with power outages. Adding to concerns, temperatures are below freezing in much of the area.

Based on preliminary estimates, the 7.5 earthquake was Japan's strongest since 2015.

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