Japan earthquake: Nine killed, more aftershocks expected

In the 6.2 magnitude earthquake, nearly 800 people were injured

The deadly earthquake which struck Japan yesterday has left at least nine people dead and stict caution is being maintained as more aftershocks are expected.

According to CNN, search crews are still looking for people trapped under collapsed buildings.

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The magnitude-6.2 quake struck near Ueki, the US Geological Survey said. Dozens of smaller aftershocks followed.

Two deaths occurred in Mashiki, the Kumamoto Prefecture office said. One person died in a collapsed house, and the other died in a fire caused by the quake.

Nearly 800 people were injured, 50 severely. The prefecture office said 44,449 people had evacuated.

Gen Aoki, director of the Japan Meteorological Agency's earthquake division, warned more aftershocks could occur over the next week.

The quake was centered mostly under land, not an ocean, meaning it did not spawn a major tsunami.