Powerful earthquakes leave at least four dead, destroy buildings along Japan's western coast

A series of powerful earthquakes has hit western Japan, leaving at least four people dead and damaging buildings, vehicles and boats

NANAO, Japan -- A series of powerful earthquakes hit western Japan, leaving at least four people dead and damaging buildings, vehicles and boats, with officials warning people in some areas on Tuesday to stay away from their homes because of a continuing risk of major quakes.

Aftershocks continued to shake Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas a day after a magnitude 7.6 temblor slammed the area on Monday afternoon.

Four people were confirmed dead in Ishikawa, according to prefecture officials. Police said they were investigating two other reported deaths. Public broadcaster NHK reported at least eight deaths and 30 injuries, including people who fell while trying to flee.

“Saving lives is our priority and we are fighting a battle against time,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. “It is critical that people trapped in homes get rescued immediately.”

Japan's military was dispatched to the disaster zones to join rescue efforts, he said.