Japan lifts tsunami warnings but warns earthquake damage ‘widespread’

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the country had been hit by 155 earthquakes since the initial tremor on Monday [Kyodo via Reuters]

At least 48 people have been reported dead after a massive earthquake hit the coast of central Japan on New Year’s Day.

Authorities raised the death toll on Tuesday afternoon. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has warned that the damage is “widespread,” and with rescue teams struggling to access some remote areas, it is feared that casualties could rise.