UPDATED As of 1:10 PM: Only days after Typhoon Jebi ripped through the western part of Japan, an earthquake hit the northern island of Hokkaido on Thursday, September 6.
The magnitude 6.7 earthquake lasted for almost a minute resulting to landslides which buried many houses built at the foot of a ridge in the region. Damages are most visible in Sapporo and Atsuma, near the epicenter of the earthquake.
As of press time, nine people have been declared dead while around 20 people are still missing. Hundreds also sustained injuries, reported CNN.
Residents are warned about possible dangers posed by aftershocks.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is still monitoring the safety of around 1,800 Filipinos living in the region.
The Embassy is also checking if there are Filipino tourists or businessmen visiting Sapporo, Japan’s fifth largest city and popular tourist destination.
The Embassy is also in touch with the Hokkaido Prefectural Government Crisis Management Division.
According to Ambassador Laurel there are no Filipinos reported so far to be among the missing or injured.
Those affected by the earthquake and who may require assistance may contact the Embassy at: +8180 4928 7979.
Families of OFWs in Japan may also call the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs at (+632) 834-4996 and [email protected] during office hours and DFA Action Center +632 834-3333 or 834-4997 after office hours.
No Filipino casualty in Typhoon Jebi
Earlier, DFA confirmed that no Filipinos were hurt in Japan after Typhoon Jebi hit the country earlier this week.
DFA reported that ten people were killed while 300 others sustained injuries in the aftermath of the typhoon, which is considered to be the strongest to hit Japan in 25 years.
The foreign affairs department estimates that around 280,000 Filipinos are living and working in the country.
“The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka have not received any reports of Filipinos being among [the victims],” DFA said.
PHOTO FROM: CNN
