KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Officials in Japan are surveying the damage and counting up the casualties following a large earthquake today in Hiroshima. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4, killed at least two people and injured at least 37 others. For the latest, here's CNN's Rebecca MacKinnon.</s>REBECCA MACKINNON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Authorities in southwestern Japan are still counting the cost in human life and property from Japan's deadliest earthquake in six years. The epicenter hit 60 kilometers, or about 40 miles below the earth's surface, under the water of Hiroshima Bay. Above ground, emergency crews rushed to put out fires and to rescue people caught in elevators. Roads caved in and cracked. Roofs, balconies and walls collapsed. Grass and crockery shattered, taking residents unawares on a Saturday afternoon. It was a big surprise, says this shop owner. When the quake hit, I asked my customers to go outside. I'm just happy I'm still standing. This was a lot stronger than the one we had last year. Because the quake was so deep, its impact could be seen throughout a wide area spanning several towns and prefectures. Many highways, subway lines and bridges were closed. Bullet train service to the area was also halted. Among those injured in the quake, eight teenagers from a high school girls volleyball team struck by falling debris from the ceiling of their gymnasium. Authorities say this is the worst quake to hit this earthquake prone area in 50 years. The government has set up a task force to deal with the damage and spearhead reconstruction. Rebecca MacKinnon, CNN, Tokyo.
Japan Assesses Damage After Earthquake