No South Korean casualties reported in Japan quakes: official

No South Korean casualties have so far been reported in the series of deadly earthquakes that struck Japan this week, an official said Saturday.

A 7.3-magnitude temblor hit Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu at around 1:25 a.m., Saturday, less than two days after a 6.5-magnitude quake struck in the same region, leaving a total of 18 people dead and more than 1,800 injured, according to Japanese authorities.

“So far, we haven’t received reports of any harm to South Koreans,” Park Ki-jun, deputy chief of the South Korean Consulate General in Fukuoka, was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

South Korean tourists have been calling the consulate general to seek help amid a suspension of flights and air traffic control, he said.