EAM Jaishankar Extends India's Support to Japan After Powerful Kumamoto Earthquake

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed Indias solidarity with Japan after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, causing widespread damage and prompting an extensive emergency response. The earthquake hit Kyushu in southwestern Japan on Tuesday afternoon and registered Level 7, the highest rating on Japans seismic intensity scale, according to public broadcaster NHK. The tremor resulted in building collapses, damaged roads, fires, and casualties, while aftershocks continued to shake the region.

In a post on X, Jaishankar conveyed his concern over the disaster and reaffirmed Indias support for Japan during the crisis. He expressed hope for the safety of those affected and wished them a swift recovery. Following the quake, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated the governments emergency response by setting up an Emergency Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. She offered condolences to the victims and said the administration would prioritise search-and-rescue operations while ensuring that essential supplies reached those displaced.

The government is also addressing widespread power outages, water shortages, and the risk of heat-related illnesses by deploying emergency resources, including food, drinking water, portable cooling equipment, and power vehicles. Officials have pledged to continue relief operations around the clock to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Prime Minister Takaichi also spoke with Kumamoto Governor Kimura later in the evening to assess the situation and assure local authorities of the central governments full support.

The earthquake struck at approximately 4:27 p.m., making it Japans first Level-7 quake since the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and the strongest to hit Kumamoto since the devastating twin earthquakes of April 2016. Multiple aftershocks followed the main tremor, with several reaching lower Level 5 on Japans seismic intensity scale, keeping emergency services on high alert.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X@DrSJaishankar.