Quakes continue in Kumamoto

Seismic activity continues in Japan's southwestern region of Kyushu after 2 powerful earthquakes shook the area more than 2 weeks ago.

Officials with the meteorological agency say they have detected more than 1,100 jolts since the first major earthquake on April 14th. They say there have been over 30 daily tremors on Friday and Saturday, NHK reported on Sunday.

49 people have died. And rescuers are still searching for a university student, who is missing in the hardest-hit prefecture of Kumamoto.

Local officials say about 23,000 people are taking refuge in the prefecture.

Kumamoto officials say they have so far established that more than 18,000 houses are damaged, saying an additional 22,000 homes could be compromised.

Authorities are warning people to stay alert for possible landslides, as the ground has been loosened due to the earthquakes and rain.

They are also urging people to monitor their health, as the temperature has varied widely between day and night. 

Source ; MENA