No Filipino casualties have been reported following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck western Japan on New Year’s Day, according to the Philippines’ Ambassador to Japan, Mylene Albano. Filipino communities in affected areas have taken precautionary measures, with some moving to evacuation centers and others to city halls to avoid potential tsunamis triggered by the earthquake.
Ambassador Albano assured that there have been no injuries reported among the Filipino residents, emphasizing that their safety is a top priority. The earthquake, accompanied by over 50 strong aftershocks, prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue and later downgrade a high-level tsunami warning.
In response to the seismic activity, Filipino communities in Ishikawa Prefecture have proactively taken steps to ensure their safety. The JMA’s warnings cautioned the public against leaving their homes due to the risk of deadly waves and aftershocks in the coming days.
Japan, known for its susceptibility to earthquakes, has a history of dealing with seismic events. The devastating magnitude 8.9 earthquake in 2011 resulted in massive tsunamis, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. Since then, the Japanese government has reinforced its disaster mitigation systems to enhance preparedness.
As Filipinos in Japan remain safe after the recent earthquake, the proactive response of communities reflects the importance of preparedness and safety measures in earthquake-prone regions. Ambassador Albano’s assurance provides comfort amid the seismic activity, and the situation will continue to be monitored for any developments in the affected areas.
