TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan Representative to Taiwan Katayama Kazuyuki thanked President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and people in Taiwan for messages of support following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday.
In a Facebook post, Katayama expressed “heartfelt gratitude for the messages of concern and support extended to Japan by many in Taiwan,” including Lai.
“Japan is currently fully engaged in emergency disaster response efforts,” Katayama said, adding that the country will assess the situation and begin search and rescue operations.
The quake’s epicenter was in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture. A maximum seismic intensity of 7 was recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Lai posted on X on Tuesday, expressing his “deepest condolences.”
“Taiwan and Japan are true friends who have overcome hardships together,” Lai said.
The president added that Taiwan is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to assist if needed. “We sincerely pray for the safety of everyone in the affected areas,” he said.
As of Wednesday evening, 18 people had been confirmed dead, CBS reported.
