7.6 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan Triggers Tsunami Alerts in South Korea, Russia; Thai Government Monitors Situation for Thai Citizens

National—

On January 1st, 2024, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, publicly revealed a magnitude 7.6 earthquake disaster occurred in Japan at 4:16 PM (Japanese local time) on January 1st.

The epicenter was located in central Japan, 526 kilometers away from Tokyo, causing a 45-centimeter tsunami in the east of South Korea.

South Korean meteorological officials publicly stated that after the first wave of the tsunami occurred, there was a possibility of another wave in 24 hours. The South Korean government officials warned people in Gangwon to be cautious and evacuate to high ground.

However, Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East and the Pacific city of Vladivostok also issued a tsunami warning, reported the Thai Government spokesman.

The Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued an order to relevant agencies to monitor the situation closely and prepare precautionary plans in case of an emergency for Thai people in Japan, said the Thai Government spokesman.

Thai people who live in Japan should observe the situation with caution and follow instructions issued by the Japanese government. The Thai Embassy in Japan is prepared to assist Thai people 24 hours a day, remarked the Thai Government spokesman.

As of press time, there were no Thai casualties or injuries reported regarding the earthquake disaster in Japan.