Japanese Government "Grateful for Earthquake Damage Support Offers from the US and Other Countries"

The Japanese government expressed its gratitude regarding the offers of support from countries including the United States following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, responded to questions about the offers of support from overseas by saying, "We have received offers of support from abroad, including the United States," and added, "We sincerely thank them for giving courage to the disaster-stricken areas." He further stated, "We will work closely with each country according to the damage situation and local needs."

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support in a statement released on the 1st (local time), saying, "The United States is ready and willing to provide all necessary support for the people of Japan."

Additionally, Secretary Hayashi reported, "Rescue operations by police officers and firefighters are currently underway," and added, "634 police officers and 2,037 firefighters from other regions, 1,030 Self-Defense Forces personnel, and 22 Japan Coast Guard members have also arrived on site and are engaged in rescue efforts."

The Japanese government is focusing on both rescue operations and grasping the full extent of the damage while securing access routes to the affected areas. Due to road destruction and other factors making land travel difficult, it is reported that about 1,000 additional Self-Defense Forces personnel deployed today were transported by helicopter.

Secretary Hayashi also stated that aside from casualties, 120 rescue calls have been received, and approximately 57,000 people are currently evacuating in Ishikawa Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, and other areas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.