At least 28 people have lost their lives and thousands have been displaced after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan, while the Fiji Government says there have been no reports of any Fijians being directly affected.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the Fiji Government has extended its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Japan.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island on Tuesday, destroying homes, damaging power lines and causing part of a shopping centre to collapse.
An explosion at the shopping centre about an hour later claimed more lives.
Around 9,000 people are sheltering in evacuation centres, while more than 30,000 households remain without electricity.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka says Fiji stands in solidarity with Japan during this difficult time. The Fiji Embassy in Tokyo says there have been no reports of any Fijian nationals being directly affected by the earthquake and that it continues to monitor the situation closely.
Ditoka says Fiji's thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and the communities affected by the disaster.
