NOTICE REGARDING CONSULAR PROTECTION

At approximately 16:27 on July 28, 2026, an earthquake measuring around magnitude 7 on the Richter scale struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, causing casualties and property damage in the area.

Immediately following the earthquake, and acting under the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan urgently contacted local authorities—through the international affairs departments of Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Oita, and Miyazaki prefectures—as well as Vietnamese community associations in the affected regions. These efforts aimed to assess the situation and prepare for the timely implementation of consular protection measures for Vietnamese citizens affected by the earthquake.

Through Vietnamese community associations—particularly in Kumamoto Prefecture (specifically Uki City and Hikawa Town, the earthquake's epicenter)—the Embassy conveyed its sympathies and urged the community to remain calm and strictly adhere to local government instructions regarding evacuation from danger zones. Simultaneously, the Embassy has maintained close contact with local authorities to coordinate the timely handling of issues concerning Vietnamese citizens.

In the coming days, the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan will continue to work closely with local authorities to monitor the situation closely while maintaining communication with Vietnamese community associations in the region, ensuring timely consular protection for citizens in distress and providing support for urgent requests.

Vietnamese citizens facing difficulties are advised to immediately contact the Embassy’s consular protection hotline at +81 (803)-590-9136. Contact the Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka at +81 (803)-984-6668 or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 24/7 Citizen Protection Hotline at +84 981 84 84 84 for emergency assistance.