Over 500 Taiwanese stranded in Japan after earthquake: MOFA

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated on Tuesday (Jan. 2) morning that 547 Taiwanese people are currently stranded in Japan following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The tremor occurred on the afternoon of Jan. 1, leading to widespread disaster and repeated aftershocks. However, the ministry confirmed that all Taiwanese tour group members have been accounted for and are safe.

Taiwan's consulate in Osaka has reached out to travel agencies and confirmed that tourists from four agencies, namely Colatour, Lion Travel, Richmond Tours, and Star Travel, were affected by the disaster.

An additional 20 individual travelers are reportedly stuck at Niigata Airport due to its closure. They were set to return home with Tigerair Taiwan. Taiwan's representative in Japan has already assisted them in connecting with Tigerair for supplies against the cold and plans to help them get to Haneda Airport in Tokyo once the roads are accessible again.

The earthquake has resulted in at least six fatalities, injuries to dozens, and severe damage, causing house fires, collapses, road fractures, and airport closures. More than 30,000 homes in Ishikawa and 1,100 homes in Niigata are without power, with severe disruption to water supplies. At present, 116 emergency shelters have been set up in the region.

Further updates are expected as the situation evolves, and MOFA reminds Taiwanese to actively reach out to the consulate in Osaka if they need any assistance.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior is gearing up an international rescue team, ready to be dispatched to Japan when needed. MOFA confirmed that the Japanese government has been informed of our preparedness to provide assistance.