Jr NTR is 'deeply shocked' as he returns from earthquake-hit Japan

At least 30 people died after powerful quakes hit the western region of Japan on Monday, damaging buildings, vehicles and boats. Officials on Tuesday warned people in some areas to stay away from their houses amid the risk of more strong earthquakes.

“The death toll from a powerful earthquake in central Japan rose to 30 on Tuesday, local authorities say, with 14 others seriously injured,” news agency AFP reported.

The quakes, the largest of which had a magnitude of 7.6, started a fire and collapsed buildings on Japan's main island, Honshu, on Monday, while aftershocks continued to shake Ishikawa and surrounding areas. Local media showed footage of collapsed buildings, sunken boats at a port, charred houses, and residents without power in the bitterly cold overnight hours.

The series of earthquakes that struck central Japan on New Year’s Day caused extensive damage with numerous casualties, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said and added that the authorities are in a race against time to rescue victims.

“Very extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous casualties, building collapses, and fires,” the Japanese PM was quoted as saying by AFP.

However, the island country has lifted all tsunami warnings.