At least 48 people are dead after a series of powerful earthquakes hit western Japan, with officials warning people in some areas on Tuesday to stay away from their homes because of a risk of more strong quakes.Forty-eight people were confirmed dead in Ishikawa, officials said.Sixteen others were seriously injured, while damage to homes was so great that it could not immediately be assessed, they said.

At least 48 people are dead after a series of powerful earthquakes hit western Japan, with officials warning people in some areas on Tuesday to stay away from their homes because of a risk of more strong quakes.Forty-eight people were confirmed dead in Ishikawa, officials said.Sixteen others were seriously injured, while damage to homes was so great that it could not immediately be assessed, they said.