SECOND EARTHQUAKE IN KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE, JAPAN
16 APRIL 2016
Following the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu region on Thursday, 14 April 2016, a second powerful earthquake with a 7.3 magnitude has been reported in the same area on Saturday, 16 April 2016 at 1.25 am local time. The first earthquake killed nine (9) people, while the second earthquake killed 23 people, bringing the number of casualties so far to a total of 32 people. A total of 70,000 people have been evacuated to evacuation centers on the orders of the authorities and 200,000 homes were reportedly have no electricity.
The Japanese government has announced it will send a total of 20,000 self-defense troops and 5,500 police, rescue workers and firefighters to Kumamoto district by Sunday, 17 April 2016, to help the victims.
Out of 18 Malaysian students who were involved in these incidents, 11 of them already arrived in Fukuoka, while the other 7 are still in evacuation centers and waiting for further instructions from the local authorities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo will continue to monitor the situation and provide an update as and when it is made available.
PUTRAJAYA
16 April 2016