A road is damaged by the earthquake in Wajima city, Japan's Ishikawa perfecture on January 1, 2024. (Photo: VNA)

The earthquake has left at least 15 people dead in central Ishikawa Prefecture. Injuries are reported in the prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata, Fukui, Toyama, and Gifu. More than 97,000 people in nine prefectures have been instructed to evacuate.

Japan's Meteorological Agency has lifted all tsunami advisories along the Sea of Japan. Officials warn that strong aftershocks may occur in the next week, especially over the next two to three days.

As of 9 pm on Monday, there had been no Vietnamese people reported dead or injured in the massive earthquake, according to Vietnam Embassy in Japan.

The embassy set up a working group to verify information on the safety of Vietnamese expatriates who are living, studying and working in the earthquake-hit localities. The group has been contacting local authorities and Vietnamese associations in the host country to collect information about the Vietnamese expats and prepare to protect them if needed.

It has issued notices asking Vietnamese citizens living in earthquake-affected areas to comply with Japan's warning measures and quickly evacuate to safe places at the request of local authorities.

The embassy also recommended that citizens in case of emergency call it + 81-80-3590-9136, or + 81-80-20346868, + 81-90-1255-5537; the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka + 81-90-4769-6789; and the Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka + 81-92263-7668.