Houses Collapse People Trapped As 6.2 Earthquake Strikes Japan

At least 19 houses collapsed and an unknown number of people are still trapped in the rubble Thursday night, after a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck southern Japan late Thursday.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude-6.2 quake struck near Ueki, Japan. Aftershocks are still rocking the affected area shortly afterward.

The National Police Agency reported 12 injuries. Several fires also broke out in the town of Mashiki, Japanese broadcaster NHK said. h/t cnn

Gen Aoki, director of the Japan Meteorological Agency’s earthquake division, warned that more aftershocks could occur over the next week.