On the afternoon of January 1, 2024, a series of major earthquakes occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture and several neighboring areas in central Japan, causing severe damage to people and property.

Immediately after receiving the information, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directed Vietnamese representative agencies in Japan to proactively and quickly grasp information about the safety of Vietnamese citizens, closely coordinate with local authorities, unions, and associations to inform and guide the Vietnamese community in the damaged areas.

According to information from Vietnamese representative agencies in Japan, so far, there have been no reports of Vietnamese casualties caused by the earthquake. Many Vietnamese citizens have been assisted by Japanese local authorities and evacuated to safe temporary shelters.

Implementing the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese representative agencies in Japan continue to maintain close contact with local authorities and Vietnamese associations in earthquake-affected areas to closely monitor the situation; and are ready to deploy citizen protection plans if necessary.

Vietnamese citizens in need of assistance can contact Vietnamese representative agencies in Japan at the following phone numbers:

+ Embassy of Vietnam in Tokyo: +81-80-3590-9136, or +81-80-20346868, +81-90-1255-5537

+ Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka: +81-90-4769-6789

+ Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka: +81-92263-7668.

On January 2, 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a message of condolences to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son also sent a message of condolences to Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko.