Pinoys in Japan told to remain vigilant after 6.7 quake

The powerful quake hit Yamagata Prefecture in northern Japan at around 10:30 p.m., Japan time. According to Embassy records, there are at least 815 registered Filipino in the area. (File Photo By Lincun – 国土交通省 国土数値情報(行政区域), CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA — Filipinos in Japan are urged to closely monitor announcements and instructions from local authorities after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake jolted the country on Tuesday night.

The powerful quake hit Yamagata Prefecture in northern Japan at around 10:30 p.m., Japan time. According to Embassy records, there are at least 815 registered Filipino in the area.

“We also got info from local news late this morning that while there were some injuries, thankfully there weren’t any fatalities. So far no one has reached out to us for help,” Consul General to Tokyo Robespierre Bolivar told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.

The Japan Meteorological Agency earlier issued a tsunami alert for Yamagata Prefecture, as well as coastal areas in Niigata and Ishikawa Prefectures following the quake, which was eventually lifted at around 1 a.m. the following day.

Prior to this, railway services have been partly suspended and many households remained without power.

Bolivar assured the Embassy is ready to provide assistance as it closely monitors the situation and the well-being of Filipinos in the area.