Tokyo (VNA) – As of 12:00 on December 9, no information had been received regarding damage to property or casualties involving Vietnamese citizens in areas affected by an earthquake that struck Japan on the evening of the day before, injuring around 30 people.
The quake, whose epicentre was located about 80km off the coast of Aomori prefecture in northeastern Japan, caused strong shaking across the region. Authorities initially warned of possible tsunamis of up to 3 metres along the northeastern coastline, including Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate. These warnings were later downgraded.
According to Japanese authorities, small waves of 10-40cm reached parts of the northeastern coast before gradually weakening. As of the morning of December 9, 30 people had been injured and a post-earthquake fire had been reported.
Immediately after receiving the information, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan activated emergency response measures. The embassy’s community affairs board implemented urgent actions under its citizen protection plan, promptly contacting local authorities, relevant agencies, Vietnamese community associations and key liaison points. Guidance and safety instructions were disseminated to Vietnamese citizens, especially those living or working in coastal areas of northeastern Japan.
Vietnamese nationals in areas under tsunami alert moved quickly to safe locations. Once Japan lifted the tsunami warnings, workers returned home and resumed their activities.
Educational institutions hosting Vietnamese students have also confirmed their safety. Aomori Chuo Gakuin University, which has around 50 Vietnamese students, reported that all students were safe in dormitories, where a one-week supply of provisions is maintained.
Speaking to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Japan shortly after the quake, Nguyen Ngoc Quynh Anh, a fourth-year student at Aomori Chuo Gakuin University, said the shaking had been very strong, causing many items to fall and break. When the tsunami warning was issued, all dormitory students, including dozens of Vietnamese, were instructed to gather in the first-floor cafeteria in preparation for possible evacuation. At around 1:00 on December 9, after authorities reported only small, weakening waves, students were allowed to return to their rooms. Then classes resumed as normal, and there were no signs of damage in nearby areas.
Japan’s meteorological agency has warned of the possibility of further earthquakes along the northeastern coastline from Hokkaido to Chiba, including the potential for a major quake similar to that of 2011, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared.
The Vietnamese Embassy continues to monitor developments, maintain close communication with community groups and liaison officers, and advise Vietnamese citizens to stay alert and ready to respond to possible larger earthquakes./.
VNA
