President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has sent a message of condolence to Kishida Fumio, the Prime Minister of Japan, following the strong earthquake and tsunami that struck Ishikawa in central Japan.

In his message, the President expressed that it was with profound sadness that he learned of the strong earthquake and tsunami in central Japan, resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of people, and extensive damage to property and infrastructure.

At this time of distress, President Dr. Muizzu, on behalf of himself, the Government and the people of the Maldives, extended his deepest sympathies to the Prime Minister, the Japanese Government, and the people of Japan, in particular those who have been affected.

Concluding his message, the President also expressed his confidence that, under the Japanese Prime Minister’s leadership, search and rescue as well as recovery and reconstruction efforts will be carried out effectively. He additionally wished for a swift recovery from the disaster.

Japan on Tuesday struggled to assess the full extent of damage from an earthquake that struck its west coast, killing at least 15 people, wrecking buildings and roads and knocking out power to swathes of homes in freezing temperatures.

The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck in the middle of the afternoon on Monday (January 1), prompting residents in some coastal areas to flee to higher ground as tsunami waves about 1 metre (3.3 ft) hit Japan's western seaboard.

More than 90 tremors have been detected since the quake first hit on Monday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency has warned more strong shocks could hit in coming days.