Many Vietnamese people in Japan hoped there would be no casualties in the earthquake, but also knew that in a disaster, such incidents are unavoidable.
Japanese television broadcasts earthquake warnings in Vietnamese. Photo: Facebook Vietnamese people in Japan.
On the first day of the new year 2024, Japan was hit by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake. At the time of the earthquake, Ms. Phuong Thuy's family (living in Nagano) and some friends were skiing in the mountains. Ms. Thuy recounted that although her location wasn't the epicenter and only experienced shaking, it was the first time she truly felt what an earthquake was like. "It was really scary! My Vietnamese friends and I were quite frightened and hid under the table, while the Japanese people around us remained calm. It was a little embarrassing, but I was genuinely scared," Ms. Thuy said. "Luckily, the shaking only lasted about 5 minutes. The fear soon passed. But watching TV and seeing people in Ishikawa Prefecture having to flee on the first day of the year because of a tsunami warning, with houses collapsing, was heartbreaking! I prayed for no casualties, but in a disaster, that's unavoidable," Ms. Thuy added. Fortunately, Ms. Thuy's family remained safe. “For the New Year, I don't wish for much, only for good health and peace for everyone,” Ms. Thuy expressed. Ms. Tuyet Ngan and Mr. Hoang Minh said that their house in Kanto was unaffected, however, they felt a slight tremor while visiting a building in Odaiba. On the Facebook groups “Vietnamese Community in Japan” and “Vietnamese People in Japan,” many accounts posted images of the earthquake taken by Vietnamese people, along with messages of concern and wishes for safety. One user wrote: “Immediately after the earthquake in Ishikawa, around 4:27 PM local time, a volcanic eruption occurred at Suwanosejima (Mount Ontake) in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Wishing everyone safety and good health.” Another user commented: “Amazing: Japanese television issued warnings in Vietnamese to help Vietnamese people living in Japan know how to protect their lives.” The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that, upon learning of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas in central Japan, causing significant loss of life and property, on January 2, 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a message of condolences to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. On the same day, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also sent a message of condolences to Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko.
Meanwhile, Japan is racing against time to search for and rescue survivors of the earthquake. 3,000 police officers, soldiers, and firefighters from across the country have been deployed to the earthquake zone by the Japanese government . At least 48 deaths were confirmed as of the afternoon of January 2nd, a spokesperson for Ishikawa Prefecture confirmed to CNN. The Japan Meteorological Agency has lifted all tsunami warnings along parts of the country's western coast, but more than 24 hours after the earthquake struck, access to the remote northern part of the Noto Peninsula remains restricted. 
Roads cracked after the earthquake. Photo: Facebook Vietnamese people in Japan.
On January 2nd, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio stated, following an emergency meeting on the disaster, that a destroyed road had cut off access to the area. Officials flew helicopters over the peninsula, known for its coastal scenery and rural landscapes, and reported seeing damaged roads, landslides, and major fires. “To secure the route there, we have to mobilize all means of transport, not only by land but also by air and sea. We have been working to move goods, supplies, and personnel there since last night,” Prime Minister Kishida said. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), more than 35 aftershocks measuring 2.5 magnitude or higher occurred near the earthquake's epicenter in Japan over the past 24 hours. Among these aftershocks, one measured 6 magnitude or higher, 12 measured 5 magnitude or higher, and 22 measured 4 magnitude or higher. USGS seismologists warn that aftershocks could last for months.Laodong.vn
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