The number of people killed in a powerful earthquake in Japan which caused homes to collapse and triggered tsunami warnings is now known to be 48
Japan's prime minister, Fumio Kishida, says the quake has caused numerous casualties and they face a "race against time" to rescue survivors
Around 1,000 rescuers are searching for people who they think may be trapped beneath the rubble
The Japanese military has been handing out supplies including food, water and blankets for those who have had to leave home
All tsunami advisories have now been lifted along the Sea of Japan, meaning there is no longer a risk of such an event
President Joe Biden says the US stands ready to provide any necessary assistance
The 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the central region of Japan a little after 16:00 local time on Monday
Japan has issued fresh warnings for earthquakes across the country. The alerts now include the prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata, Nagano and Toyama.
More than 30 earthquakes - ranging in magnitude from 3.6 to 7.6 - have hit central Japan in the past three hours.
No irregularities have been reported from nuclear power plants along the Sea of Japan, the country's Nuclear Regulation Authority has said.
These include five active reactors at Kansai Electric Power's Ohi and Takahama plants in the Fukui Prefecture.
Hokuriku's Shika plant in Ishikawa, which was located the closest to the quake’s epicentre, had already halted its two reactors before the quake for regular inspection and saw no impact from the quake, the agency said.
In 2011, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan - with a magnitude of 9.0 - struck off the country's eastern coast and triggered a tsunami which killed more than 18,000 people and wiped entire towns off the map.
It also caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, on the eastern side of the island, the effects of which are still being dealt with today.
About 32,500 homes in Ishikawa prefecture have lost power, Kyodo news reports, citing local governments.
Officials added that many houses in parts of the prefecture have collapsed.
Some of the first images showing the damage from the earthquake are starting to come through.
Image source, ReutersParts of a structure had collapsed at the Onohiyoshi Shrine in Kanazawa
Image source, ReutersHuge cracks opened in the ground in Wajima city, also in Ishikawa prefecture, following the quake
Footage from Japanese public broadcaster NHK shows the moment a 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the coastline in Ishikawa prefecture in the central region of the country.
Tsunami warnings have been issued in several areas.
Bullet trains have been suspended between Tokyo and the earthquake epicentre in the Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Railways said.
Here is a look at the tsunami warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the central region a little earlier.
The red X on the map issued by the agency shows the epicentre near Suzu City.
A purple line marks the area issued with a "major tsunami warning", meaning there is a possibility of waves of more than 3m (10ft). Red indicates waves of up to 3m, while yellow indicates waves of 1m (3ft) or less. The blues area indicates slight sea level changes.
The map can be viewed here, external.
Image source, Japan Meteorological AgencyOfficials in Suzu City in Ishikawa Prefecture say several houses and power poles have collapsed there following the earthquake, according to national broadcaster NHK. We'll bring you more information as we get it.
The first tsunami waves, some more than a metre high, have arrived on the northern coast of central Japan, according to reports.
Waves as high as 1.2m (4ft) hit Wajima port in Ishikawa prefecture at 16:21 local time (07:21 GMT), national broadcaster NHK said., external
The city of Toyama, Toyama prefecture, also reported tsunami waves of 0.8m.
People in those areas have been told to evacuate.
It is a rapidly developing situation in Japan, and the extent of damage is not yet clear.
This map from the United States Geological Survey shows the parts of the Noto province, in central Japan, which have so far been affected. It shows the epicentre near Suzu city and suggests very strong shaking was felt there, with moderate damage.
Image source, EPA
Jasmine Taylor-Coleman
Live reporter
A major tsunami warning has been issued in Japan after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the central region.
People in coastal areas - particularly in the Noto province - are being urged to flee to higher ground.
Authorities have warned waves could reach as high as 5m in Noto.
They have also issued tsunami warnings for neighbouring Niigata and Toyama prefectures, warning that waves there could reach 3m.
We’ll be bringing you the latest developments here, so stay with us.