OCD ready to extend assistance to quake-hit Japan

Houses fallen by an earthquake are seen in Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes in western Japan damaged homes, cars and boats, with officials warning people on Tuesday to stay away from their homes in some areas because of a continuing risk of major quakes and tsunamis. (Kyodo News via AP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) is on standby and is ready to assist in the response operation in Japan which was jolted by a  magnitude 7.6 earthquake  on New Year’s Day. 

OCD issued the statement after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. offered to help the country after the earthquake killed at least 48 people and triggered tsunamis within Ishikawa region. 

“We will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary arrangements for the possible support that we can extend […]  the Office of Civil Defense is willing to extend assistance to support the ongoing response operations,” OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement on Tuesday.  

“This massive earthquake that hit Japan is a reminder to us to continuously reinforce our country’s preparedness against the threats of earthquakes and other hazards through the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach,” he added.

Nepomuceno likewise extended the Philippine government’s sympathies to the Japanese government and those affected by the disaster.