One Vietnamese citizen reported dead, several others injured in Japan earthquake
WVR/VNA - Concerning the earthquake that occurred on July 28 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, according to information from the Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka, one Vietnamese citizen has been reported dead, and several others injured in the earthquake.
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| A building damaged by the earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan. (Source: Nikkei Asia) |
One male Vietnamese worker has been killed and at least one other Vietnamese citizen injured following the powerful earthquake that struck Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture on July 28, according to the labour management board under the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.
The victim arrived in Japan as a technical intern in January 2026 and was affiliated with the Kumamoto Hitozukuri cooperative in the prefecture. During the earthquake, a crane inside the factory where he worked collapsed onto him. Despite the prompt arrival of police and emergency responders, the man could not be rescued because of the crane’s heavy weight. Seven other Vietnamese technical interns working at the factory managed to evacuate safely.
After receiving the information, the labour management board contacted representatives of Kyushu Jokokako Co. and the Mifune Police Station. On behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan, the board extended its condolences to the bereaved family and is coordinating with the company, the cooperative and Japanese authorities to assist the family with necessary procedures.
Another Vietnamese citizen, the wife of a Vietnamese worker living in Uki city, Kumamoto prefecture, was injured after a wall collapsed during the quake. She is receiving treatment at a local hospital and, according to initial reports, her injuries are not life-threatening, although her home sustained severe damage.
In Mashiki, three Vietnamese technical interns employed in the construction sector by Morimatsu Industry Co., Ltd. reported that their dormitory had tilted, walls had cracked and the parking area had been damaged. The board is working with the cooperative and the employer to assess their needs and ensure their safety.
The Embassy of Vietnam in Japan and its labour management board are actively implementing citizen protection measures and maintaining close contact with relevant organisations and companies employing Vietnamese workers in the affected areas to verify the situation.
These include Japan Marine United (JMU), Oshima Shipbuilding, Furi Report, and the Tozai Shoko, Purasesu Work and Nichietsu cooperatives, which together manage and employ more than 1,300 Vietnamese technical interns and workers.
The Embassy and its labour management board will also continue to closely monitor developments closely and coordinate with Japanese authorities, employers and supervising organisations to promptly provide protection and assistance to affected Vietnamese citizens./.
During the process of protecting Vietnamese citizens affected by the earthquake, the Vietnamese Representative Missions in Japan also recognized and commended many Vietnamese citizens who actively participated in supporting the local community.
In the coming days, the Vietnamese Representative Missions in Japan will continue to closely coordinate with Kumamoto Prefecture authorities and Vietnamese associations to further review the situation of citizens and promptly implement necessary protection measures for affected Vietnamese citizens.
The Japan Meteorological Agency advises residents to be aware of possible aftershocks in the next 1-2 weeks. Vietnamese citizens in Kumamoto should monitor and comply with the instructions and warnings of local authorities, the Vietnamese Representative Missions in Japan, and Vietnamese associations.
Vietnamese citizens in need are advised to immediately contact the citizen protection hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan at 81 80 3590 9136; the Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka at 81 80 3984 6668, 81 80 4279 7302; and the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka at 81 90 4769 6789, or the 24/7 Citizen Protection Switchboard of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 84 981 84 84 84 for emergency assistance.
(Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Japan, Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka)
