Three dead as 5.3-magnitude quake hits Japan

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the southern coast of Hokkaido, Japan’s main island, this morning, with tremors being felt near the capital Tokyo. No tsunami threat has been issued.

The quake hit the island nation as search teams scoured the surrounding area for at least 16 people who remain missing after torrential rain and flooding swept across the country this week, triggered by Typhoon Etau.

Kyodo News agency reports that thousands are waiting to be allowed to return to their homes, as flood waters are slowly receding. A total of three people were killed and another 27 were injured in the floods.