Yesterday, 1 January 2024, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck central Japan, near Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Peninsula at around 4.10pm local time. It was followed by a series of strong aftershocks which reportedly killed at least 48 people, injured dozens and sparked fires that destroyed homes.  The quake’s epicentre was in the Noto region, a total of more than 51,000 people in five prefectures along the coastal area were instructed to evacuate following tsunami warnings.

Search and rescue efforts are facing a battle against time to find those trapped under mounds of rubble as death toll continue to rise.  May these brave rescuers be successful in carrying out their respective tasks and be free from harm and danger.

Let us pray and radiate thoughts of ‘mettā-karunā’ to the victims.  May the people in Japan are free from further harm and danger.  May the injured receive due care and may the families of those who have succumbed remain strong and composed.  Let us also pray for those who have perished in this tragedy – may they rest in Peace.