Death toll rises as powerful earthquake devastates Japan

A powerful earthquake rocked central Japan on Monday, unleashing a trail of devastation that has claimed at least 48 lives and injured over a dozen, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The most severe impact was felt in the coastal city of Wajima, where a raging fire further compounded the tragedy. Ishikawa prefectural officials reported that half of the fatalities occurred in Wajima, where the earthquake triggered a massive blaze that engulfed homes and businesses.