Phl to ensure OFW safety in earthquake-hit areas in Japan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured that the Philippine government will closely coordinate with the Japanese government to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino nationals residing near the areas affected by the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck Japan on New Year's Day.

In a social media post, Marcos said the Philippines stands in solidarity with Japan during this challenging time and has extended a hand of assistance to support the affected communities.

"We are in close collaboration with the Japanese government to secure the welfare of our kababayans, who thankfully remain unharmed," Marcos said.

"We have made the offer to assist in any way that we can. In the face of shared climate challenges within the Pacific Ring of Fire, we stand united with Japan and stay ready to provide support from the Philippines," Marcos added.

A huge earthquake hit the coast of central Japan on New Year's Day, killing at least 20 people. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the damage was "widespread" and that the number of deaths was likely to rise.

The earthquake happened near the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It caused the first big tsunami warning in the country since the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 that killed or went missing about 18,500 people in the northeast.

Kishida said on Tuesday that the earthquake had caused "extensive damage" by tearing down buildings and starting fires.

He also said that there were "numerous" casualties and that it would be a "race against time" to save people.

Later, the tsunami alert was lowered, and it was taken away on Tuesday morning.