Death toll from Japan earthquakes rises to 62 with fears for those still trapped

A man looks at the burnt area hit by a fire, following earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan (Kyodo News via AP)

A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left at least 62 people dead as rescue workers fought on Wednesday to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Aftershocks continued to shake Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas two days after a magnitude 7.6 temblor slammed the area. The first 72 hours are considered crucial to save lives after disasters.