Aftershocks rattle Japan as death toll rises after powerful earthquake

At least 48 are dead after a massive earthquake struck the west coast Monday.

At least 48 people had been confirmed dead after a massive earthquake and dozens of aftershocks struck Japan’s western coast, according to local officials.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 struck at about 4:10 p.m. local time on Monday, with its epicenter on the Noto Peninsula, along the Sea of Japan, according to U.S. Geological Survey data.

More than 1,000 first responders had arrived in the region by Tuesday to help local police, fire and coast guard units, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. More than 2,000 firefighters were working in the region, he said.

"An inspection from above via helicopter has shown widespread damage including roads cut off, landslides and fires," Kishida said during a press conference.