Rescue teams in Japan are racing against time to save those trapped after a strong earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale.
As of the morning of January 3, at least 57 people have been confirmed dead due to the earthquake.
The city of Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture is among the hardest-hit areas. Approximately 200 buildings have caught fire on Asaichi Street, a popular tourist destination in Wajima.
Meanwhile, around 500 people are stranded at Noto Airport. They are being provided with food and blankets. However, nearby roads have been damaged, preventing them from escaping. Noto Airport has had to close until at least January 4.
Thousands of military personnel, firefighters, and police officers from across Japan have been dispatched to the Noto Peninsula.
Following the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of the possibility of strong aftershocks, particularly in the next 2 to 3 days. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for additional tremors.
Many buildings collapsed or were damaged due to the earthquake. (Photo: Sky News).
A high-rise building completely fell onto the street after the earthquake on January 1 in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. (Photo: Kyodo).
Nguyen Duc Minh, the Minister-Counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, provided information regarding the situation of Vietnamese citizens affected by the earthquake. According to information provided by the Japanese Police to the Vietnamese Embassy, no Vietnamese citizens have been reported affected by the earthquake as of now.
In light of the ongoing impact of the earthquake and the continuing aftershocks expected in the coming days, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan advises all Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in Japan to closely monitor information and updates, comply with local authorities’ instructions, and move to designated shelters for assistance, including food, water, warm clothing, sleeping arrangements, first aid, and medical care.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan has requested relevant authorities and businesses employing Vietnamese workers to ensure the evacuation of workers to safety and provide necessary supplies for Vietnamese citizens, with Vietnamese language guidance offered when needed. Additionally, the Embassy will send a task force to the affected areas to quickly gather information, promptly announce updates, and provide hotlines for support and citizen protection.
Moreover, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan has established a special task force to closely monitor information, particularly regarding the safety of Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in the affected regions, ensuring timely assistance for our citizens.
Devastation after the earthquake caused fires. (Photo: BreakingNews.ie).
According to the latest information provided by the International Human Resources Development Organization Japan (IM Japan), all Vietnamese trainees accepted by this organization working in Toyama, Fukui, and Ishikawa Prefectures are safe.
Vietnamese citizens in need of assistance can contact the Vietnamese representative offices in Japan at the following phone numbers:
– Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo: +81-80-3590-9136, or +81-80-2034-6868, +81-90-1255-5537
– Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka: +81-90-4769-6789
– Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka: +81-92263-7668
