Photos----7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Japan. Causes devastating landslide --Death toll rises to 36 after second earthquake destroys roads, bridges and homes

Japan woke up to scenes of devastation yesterday after a second huge earthquake struck the nation, bringing the total death count to 36 and rising.

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake destroyed buildings and roads, causing massive mudslides that even washed away entire bridges.

It struck just a day after another 6.4 magnitude shock, and the country's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said it is now a 'race against time' to find survivors.

More than 1,500 people were injured and 26 killed by yesterday's quake, but authorities say they expect the death toll to rise.

Mr Abe said: 'Nothing is more important than human life and it's a race against time. Daytime today is the big test. I want rescue activities to continue with the utmost effort.' 

The exact number of casualties remained unclear as rescue efforts in southern Kyushu island continued, but they were hampered by the landslides that destroyed bridges and roads. 

Efforts have been made more urgent by the fact that Japan is expecting heavy rainfall tonight which will make the search even more challenging. 

The epicentre of the quake was near the city of Kumamoto on the southern island of Kyushu and measured at a shallow depth of 10 kms (6 miles), the USGS said.

Television footage of the area showed fires, power outages, collapsed bridges and gaping holes in the earth.

Residents near a dam were told to leave because of fears it might crumble, broadcaster NHK said, and the 400-year-old Kumamoto Castle  - which survived a century of wart - in the centre of the city was badly damaged.

Nearly 200,000 homes were without electricity and 410,000 are without water after supply systems were damaged, Japanese media reported.

TV footage showed people huddled in blankets, quietly, shoulder to shoulder, on floors of evacuation centers.

One massive landslide tore open a mountainside in Minamiaso village in Kunamato Prefecture all the way from the top to a highway below.

Another gnawed at a highway, collapsing a house that fell down a ravine and smashed at the bottom.

In another part of the village, houses were left hanging precariously at the edge of a huge hole cut open in the earth.

Shocking drone footage shows the extent of the damage, with buildings razed to rubble, roofs of houses collaped and the streets strewn with debris. 

Factories producing auto parts and tech components for companies including Sony Corp and Honda Motor Co halted production as they assessed the damage.

Picture Credit....AP/Daily Mail