President Joe Biden stated that the United States is prepared to offer any required aid to Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the country’s center on Monday.
“As strong allies, the deep friendship between the United States and Japan connects our people. Our sympathies are with the Japanese people as they navigate through this challenging period,” he expressed.
As of Monday night, the Japanese government had issued evacuation orders for over 97,000 people in nine prefectures along the western coast of the main island Honshu. These individuals sought refuge in sports halls and school gymnasiums, commonly designated as evacuation centers during emergencies.
As of early Tuesday morning, nearly 33,000 households in Ishikawa prefecture still lacked power, as reported on Hokuriku Electric Power’s website.
The Imperial Household Agency announced the cancellation of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s scheduled New Year appearance on Tuesday in the aftermath of the disaster.