Toll in Japan quakes hits 35; scores still trapped

Homes, roads and railway lines were swept away when huge hillsides collapsed, as thousands of tonnes of mud was dislodged by the thunderous seismic tremors.

Buildings were reduced to rubble, including a university dormitory and apartment complexes, with dozens of people unaccounted for over a wide area. 

“We are aware of multiple locations where people have been buried alive,” chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference. 

“Police, fire-fighters and Self Defence Force personnel are doing all they can to rescue them.” 

The quake came as emergency responders were working to reach areas already affected by a 6.2 magnitude tremor that struck late Thursday.

Adding to worries was the eruption of a nearby volcano, although seismologists cautioned there was no evidence of a link and said activity was limited.