Tsunami warnings have been lifted in Japan but authorities are warning that the damage from a New Year’s Day earthquake is widespread.

Al Jazeera reports that at least 48 people have been reported dead since the 7.6 magnitude quake struck on the west coast.

There are fears that the death toll could rise as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said rescuers were finding it very difficult to access the northern tip of the Noto peninsula.

Helicopter surveys have discovered many fires and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in Noto.

Yesterday’s quake triggered the country’s first major tsunami warning since the March 2011.