On January 3, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, in response to the tragic death toll resulting from the earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in the western part of the country, QazMonitor reports citing the press service of Akorda.
"It is with deep sorrow that I received the news about the devastating natural disaster in your country, which has led to the loss of many lives and widespread suffering. On behalf of the people of Kazakhstan and personally, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the families who have lost their loved ones. I wish speedy recovery to all the injured and safe return of missing citizens to their families," Tokayev said in a statement.
On January 1, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck central Honshu, the main island of Japan, near the Noto Peninsula in the Ishikawa Prefecture. The impact resulted in the destruction of numerous buildings, leaving tens of thousands of people without electricity. Japan's Prime Minister reported that the disaster badly damaged major roads leading to the hardest-hit areas, complicating the rescue operation.
By the morning of January 3, regional authorities confirmed a death toll of 62 people, and at least 300 individuals were reported injured.