Quake Toll Rises to 25 as Aftershocks Continue

Several powerful aftershocks rocked northwestern Japan today as the death toll from a series of earthquakes rose to 25.

Officials said nearly 86,000 people were seeking refuge at local gymnasiums and public buildings. Many more slept in their cars. Thousands were left homeless by Saturday’s 6.8 quake and its aftershocks, and much of the region remained without water, electricity or gas.

More than 350 aftershocks have been recorded, including one with a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 that hit just after dawn today. That temblor caused at least one building to collapse in Niigata city.