Indonesian Embassy in Japan to Account For Indonesian Nationals After Earthquake

TOKYO, KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian Embassy in Japan is continuing its efforts to account for Indonesian nationals in the country, after a 7.2 Richter scale earthquake struck the Japanese Prefecture of Miyagi, triggering a one-meter tsunami warning.

No casualties or damages were reported in the disaster, which occurred at a depth of 60 kilometers off Miyagi on Saturday, March 20 at 6:09 pm, local time.

“The Indonesian Embassy in Japan has contacted organizations for Indonesian nationals [in Miyagi prefecture] to see how they are doing,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi in a press release.

He added that he has yet to receive any reports of Indonesian casualties or material damages incurred during the earthquake.

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Nonetheless, Heri “urged Indonesian citizens affected by the disaster to call the hotline provided by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo. We also call on them to remain calm and comply with the local authorities.”

Heri noted that the embassy has been getting information from Japanese media reports as well as information from the public. 984 Indonesian are known to live in the Miyagi Prefecture, which is located in northern Japan.

The Japan Meteorology Agency issued the tsunami warning after the tremors shook Miyagi, but withdrew the warning afterwards. according to NHK, the earthquake caused mass panic, prompting thousands of people to head to higher ground inland.

Miyagi was also struck by a strong earthquake that wounded dozens of people.

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