BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that all Thai nationals are safe following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan on the afternoon of July 28. Director-General of the Department of Information and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Jaithai Upakarnitikaset reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was in Hikawa. Tremors affected Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Oita, and Yamaguchi prefectures.
According to the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka, the earthquake caused significant damage and disrupted public services. Local train and high-speed rail operations are suspended, Kumamoto Airport has temporarily halted services, and electricity and water have been cut in several areas. Approximately 455 Thai nationals reside in Kumamoto. The Consulate has contacted the local Thai community and confirmed their safety. Some individuals are experiencing temporary power, water, and gas outages for safety reasons, and several have relocated to designated evacuation shelters as advised by local authorities. There are no reports of severe impacts on Thai citizens in other affected prefectures. Thai nationals in Japan requiring emergency assistance can contact the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka at 090-2585-3027. (NNT)
