S. Jaishankar India Stands With Japan After Earthquake: India has expressed condolences and support to Japan after a powerful earthquake of 7.1 magnitude hit Kumamoto Prefecture in south-western Japan on Tuesday. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar took to the social media platform ‘X’ But the post said that in this difficult time, the Indian government and the countrymen stand in full solidarity with Japan. He also wished for the safety and speedy recovery of the affected people.

According to local media reports, so far one person has died in the earthquake, while several people have been injured. About 30 employees are reported missing and many are feared buried under the debris after an explosion at a shopping mall in Kashima, Kumamoto. Buildings were damaged by the earthquake, a goods train derailed and relief and rescue operations are underway in many areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency has also issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of the Ariake Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea. However, no disturbances have been reported at nuclear power plants in the region.

Jaishankar expressed deep concern

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar social media platform ‘X’ Wrote, “I am very concerned about the news of the earthquake in Kumamoto province of Japan. Our full solidarity and support is with the Government of Japan and its people in this difficult time. Praying for the safety and speedy recovery of all those affected by the earthquake.”

Heavy damage caused by earthquake of 7.1 magnitude

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring several others, local media reported. Many people are feared to be trapped under the debris.

Explosion in shopping mall, many missing

According to Kyodo News, about 30 employees are reported missing after an explosion at a shopping mall belonging to Aeon Company in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and police, a portion of the second floor of the building collapsed. The explosion occurred at this place after about 200 people came out. A freight train derailed and overturned at Yatsushiro Station, although the train driver was not injured.

Relief and rescue operations continue

According to reports, about 50 people have been taken to hospital in Kumamoto. The local fire department has also received information about many people trapped inside their homes. According to Kyodo report, the earthquake occurred at around 4:27 pm local time.

Its depth was about ten kilometers. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the intensity of the earthquake in the most affected areas was recorded at a maximum of seven on the Japanese seismic scale.

Tsunami warning issued

A tsunami warning up to one meter high has been issued for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea in southwestern Japan. The Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima Prefecture and the Genkai Nuclear Power Plant in Saga Prefecture reported no problems.