‘Race against time’ in hunt for survivors after Japan earthquakes leave 62 dead

Rescue workers in Japan are racing to find and save dozens of people feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings following a series of powerful earthquakes (Kyodo News/AP)

Rescue workers and dog units were urgently sifting through rubble on Wednesday ahead of predicted freezing cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes killed 62 people in western Japan.

Dozens are believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings.