Pope prays for victims of earthquake in Japan

Photo by Ikko Nishimura on Unsplash

Source: Vatican News/Japanese Catholic Bishops Conference

Dozens of people were killed today in a violent earthquake that razed buildings and set others ablaze on Japan's western coast. At least 48 people died when the 7.0 quake struck beneath the sea bed close to the city of Wajima. In a message sent by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis said he was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake in the Ishikawa prefecture."

The Pope assured everyone affected by this disaster of his heartfelt solidarity, spiritual closeness, and prayers, especially for the dead, those who mourn their loss, and for the rescue of any persons still missing. He concluded by offering encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this tragedy, and willingly invoked upon all the divine blessings of consolation and strength.

Later in the day, five rescue workers due to fly to the earthquake zone died when their small plane crashed into a Japan Airlines Airbus 350 landing at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Thanks to the professionalism and training of the airline staff, all 379 passengers were safely evacuated from the plane in less than two minutes - seconds before the aircraft was engulfed in flames. Several passengers described their escape as "miraculous."

Emergency aid has been rushed to the earthquake zone to assist survivors while teams are working round the clock to rescue people that may be trapped under the rubble.

In a statement Archbishop Tarcisio Kikuchi of Tokyo said prayers were being offered for everyone affected by the earthquake. He also announced that a team from the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Japan is now visiting the disaster zone.