Japan earthquake death toll more than forty

The death toll from the massive earthquake that struck southwestern Japan Friday has risen to at least 41.

In the worst affected regions Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu over 1,700 houses were damaged or completely destroyed. The quake on Friday was with a magnitude of 7.3 is significantly stronger than the first shock on Thursday when nine people died.

Approximately 90 000 people are housed in shelters. Authorities meanwhile warn of further landslides caused by heavy rains. Also, in the coming days with partly strong aftershocks factored into the disaster area.