Seismic security

Desperate search for earthquake survivors in Japan continues

The desperate search for survivors intensified on Sunday in the splintered remains of buildings destroyed by Japan’s deadly earthquake and authorities ordered nearly a quarter of a million people from their homes amid fears of further quakes.

A 7.3 magnitude tremor struck early on Saturday morning, killing at least 32 people, injuring about a thousand more and causing widespread damage to houses, roads and bridges.

It was the second major quake to hit Kumamoto province on the island of Kyushu in just over 24 hours. The first, late on Thursday, killed nine people.

Three nuclear plants in the region were unaffected by the quake, but theNuclear Regulation Authority said it will hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday to discuss the situation.