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MOFA offers condolences to Japan

The government and people of Taiwan extend their sincere condolences to Japan following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit the Ishikawa Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jan. 1.
 
The earthquake caused buildings and roads to collapse, airports to close and injured many people, the MOFA said, adding that electric power and water supply were cut off in households in the Ishikawa and Niigata Prefecture. There were 116 evacuation sites available for residents in the disaster area.
 
According to the MOFA, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka has confirmed with travel agencies that a total of 547 Taiwan group tourists are safe. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan also assisted in contacting Tigerair Taiwan to provide warm items like blankets to over 20 backpackers stranded in Niigata Airport, which was closed after the quake, the ministry said.
 
When routes to Niigata airport reopen, the TECRO in Japan will immediately send personnel and help Taiwan nationals transfer to Tokyo International Airport and fly home, the MOFA added.
 
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency search and rescue team is standing by to assist if Japanese authorities make a request, the ministry said. In the meantime, TECO in Osaka and TECRO in Japan will continue to monitor official updates and offer any necessary assistance to Taiwan citizens, it added.
 
The MOFA said on its official X account, “We’re saddened to hear about the series of earthquakes & tsunamis in Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture & our hearts go out to those impacted by the disaster. We sincerely pray for the earliest possible recovery of affected areas & Taiwan stands ready to provide support as needed.” (YCH-E)
 
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
 

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