FM says no Thai casualties in Japan quake

BANGKOK, April 16 (TNA) -- Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai said his ministry has been informed by the Thai embassy in Tokyo that no Thai casualties were reported in the powerful quake that hit southern Japan before dawn Saturday. Mr Don told journalists in Bangkok that the Thai embassy in Tokyo had cooperated with Japanese government agencies and was informed that no Thai citizens living on the southwestern island of Kyushu died or injured from the destructive quake that struck the island at 1.25 am Japanese time Saturday. Latest reports received by the embassy said at least 10 Japanese died in the quake. The US Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 7.0, or 6.3 times bigger than the 6.2 tremor recorded on Thursday, according to an international news agency reported. The agency reported that Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued a tsunami warning for the western coast of Kyushu but later lifted it. The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued the warning that quake would continue for a week from now and its severity could measure up to the magnitude of 6. Meanwhile, heavy downpours and strong winds are expected until Sunday. (TNA)