Statement: On the Hokkaido Earthquake

06 September 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is monitoring the aftermath of a magnitude 6.7 quake that hit the northern island of Hokkaido early this morning. Dozens were reported injured and around 20 missing in the earthquake that struck the island, located 831 kilometers from Tokyo.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, who is currently in Jordan with the President, has been informed by Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel that the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo is in touch with Honorary Consul Ken Tobe in Hokkaido and leaders of the Samahang Pilipino sa Hokkaido (SPH) to check the situation of the 1,800 Filipino residents of the island.

The Embassy is also checking if there are Filipino tourists or businessmen visiting Sapporo, Japan’s fifth largest city and popular tourist destination, which is also in Hokkaido. The Embassy is also in touch with the Hokkaido Prefectural Government Crisis Management Division.

According to Ambassador Laurel there are no Filipinos reported so far to be among the missing or injured.

Ambassador Laurel said aftershocks are still being felt at this point. He reported that authorities are still checking the extent of the damage, as the quake caused landslides and power outages. Electricity is out in over three million buildings. The Chitose Airport is also closed and all Shinkansen train movements have been suspended.

The Embassy is ready to provide assistance to our affected kababayan. Those affected by the earthquake and who may require assistance may contact the Embassy at: +8180 4928 7979. Next of kin in the Philippines may contact the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs at (+632) 834-4996 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. during office hours and DFA Action Center +632 834-3333 or 834-4997 after office hours. END