Rescue operations are still underway after a deadly earthquake struck Ishikawa Prefecture, in central Japan, on New Year's Day. At least 30 people are confirmed dead in Ishikawa Prefecture, but that number could still rise further as many more are still trapped under collapsed buildings. Japan's Meteorological Agency has lifted all tsunami advisories along the Sea of Japan after a strong earthquake struck the area Monday afternoon. But officials warn that strong aftershocks may occur in the next week -- especially over the next two to three days.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio addressed the nation Tuesday morning. Kishida said, "Relief efforts are being hampered by obstructions on the roads. This is also making it difficult to send heavy machinery. We're thinking about ways to secure routes and using ships could be one option. We're ready to do whatever we can to meet the people's needs."

Ishikawa Prefecture officials say at least 30 people have been confirmed dead.

Wajima City's fire department says 25 buildings have collapsed -- and people could still be trapped in 14 of them.

Firefighters were seen using chainsaws to get inside collapsed buildings. Bystanders could be heard cheering "hang in there" to those trapped under the debris.

Devastating fires caused by the quake have also destroyed about 200 houses in Wajima. Firefighters were still battling the fires Tuesday afternoon.

In nearby Suzu City, officials confirmed more than 50 houses have been leveled.

In hospitals in Wajima City and Suzu City, many are being treated for injuries.

The magnitude 7.6 earthquake took place on New Year's Day in central Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture, catching many people off guard. The quake also triggered a major tsunami warning in that prefecture.

Several cities in Ishikawa observed tsunami. Wajima reported tsunami waves over 120 centimeters high and Kanazawa recorded 90 centimeters. Other prefectures also reported sightings.

Thousands of people are taking shelter at evacuation centers. A woman at an evacuation facility in Himi city said, "I was at home when the quake happened. I ran out of the house barefoot. Since then I haven't slept at all. Only the children are sleeping. I'm so scared there'll be more potential quakes. That keeps me up at night."

Some areas have had their water supplies cut off. Residents have been lining up to receive drinking water.
The quake has also triggered mudslides in both cities severing major roads.

The Meteorological Agency says there have been over 100 jolts in the region since the initial quake.

In neighboring Toyama Prefecture, authorities say they have received reports at several locations of cracks in roads and broken water pipes.

Ishikawa Prefecture says more than 32,000 people are believed to have spent the night at evacuation shelters across the region. A man in his 80s said, "It was the biggest tremor I've ever experienced. The ground was shaking."

The Hokuriku Electric Power Company says it has shut down two generators at its Nanao Ota thermal power plant in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Officials say more than 44,000 households in the prefecture are without power.

There are several nuclear facilities in the region but none of them have reported major irregularities.

Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train operations have resumed between Kanazawa and Toyama. East Japan Railway says services between Toyama and Nagano will resume at around 3:00 p.m.

Joetsu Shinkansen has resumed operations from 1:47 p.m. between Echigoyuzawa and Niigata.

Japan's major mobile phone carriers say they are also suffering service disruptions in the region hit by the earthquakes.