The death toll from an earthquake that struck central Japan has risen to 64, while tens of thousands are without power and many are feared to be trapped under the rubble of their homes.

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation said rescue efforts were still underway in Ishikawa Prefecture, which was badly damaged, while officials warned of the possibility of aftershocks of similar strength this week.

Officials in the city of Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture said 25 houses collapsed and fires caused by the earthquake destroyed about 200 homes in Wajima.

In the neighboring city of Suzu, officials confirmed 50 houses had been leveled, while hospitals in both Wajima and Suzu were busy treating the injured.

Thousands of people in the affected areas are still sheltering in evacuation centers, and water supply has been cut off in some areas. The earthquake has cut off major roads in both cities due to mudslides and some roads are still closed.

An earthquake in central Japan on the first day of the new year measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.