24 dead in Japanese quakes

The deadliest earthquake to hit Japan in more than a decade has killed at least 24 people, with many more still missing after a series of powerful aftershocks. The centre of the biggest quake, which took place on Saturday, was in Niigata, some 250 miles from Tokyo. According to the BBC News service, there are at least 2,000 people reported to be injured, with hospitals saying they have been overwhelmed with the number of casualties. Food and water are said to be in short supply in the region, with many areas still trying to survive without power. As many as 100,000 people spend time in public buildings as more earthquakes have been predicted. Though airports are operating normally, other transport has been affected; one Bullet train was derailed and two tunnels on the Toyko-Niigata rail line are reported to have collapsed. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd