JAPAN: Workers, students and Cambodians living in Japan have been evacuated by Japanese authorities following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that triggered tsunami alerts off the coast of Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture.

According to the Ministry of Labor, there is still no information about the dangers faced by the Cambodian community in Japan as no one has contacted the Embassy, the Ministry or the Cambodian Recruitment Agency yet. However, the Ministry of Labor and the Cambodian Embassy in Japan are continuing to closely monitor the safety of Cambodians in the area. Even though tsunami advisories have been lifted along the Sea of Japan, around 1,000 rescuers are searching for people in the rubble of the earthquake’s aftermath.

The Cambodian Embassy called on those living in Japanese coastal areas to exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities in case of evacuation. They asked that anyone with information on Cambodians affected by the disaster to contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Japan Facebook page or dial 080 4689 9374.

 According to NHK World Japan, a fire broke out in Wajima City shortly after the quake, which reportedly destroyed more than 100 shops and collapsed several buildings. So far, 13 people are confirmed dead in the natural disaster.