NHK has learned that a cut to the water supply made it difficult for firefighters to extinguish a massive blaze believed to have burned down more than 200 shops and houses in quake-hit Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

The city was struck by an earthquake with an intensity of upper 6 on Monday. The fire broke out at around 6 p.m. the same day.

Sources tell NHK that firefighters engaging in rescue operations in the area were the first to encounter the fire. Its origin appeared to be near shops on the south side of Asaichi Street, a famous tourist spot in the city center.

The firefighters immediately began putting out the fire. But their efforts were hampered by fallen utility poles that blocked the roads and hydrants made unusable due to the cut water supply.

They tried to pump water from a nearby river but found there was little water there.

Fire engines were unable to quickly arrive at the site due to sagging roads and obstacles. This allowed the fire to rapidly spread.

The fire was almost completely extinguished as of Thursday afternoon.