Chinese nationals in Japan quake area 'safe'

Rescue workers walk on a street cracked by the earthquake in Mashiki, Kumamoto prefecture in southwestern Japan, April 16, 2016. According to local press, at least 15 people were killed after a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake rattled Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan's southwestern Kyushu Island early Saturday. [Photo: Xinhua]

A major travel agency said on Saturday a group of 20 Chinese nationals visiting Japan's earthquake-hit area is safe. The agency confirmed that they are working with local rescuers to help them get out of the area safely.

The majority of tourists are senior Chinese citizens who came to Japan to visit their friends and relatives, said China Youth Travel Service.

China expressed sympathy to Japan over the powerful earthquakes that rattled Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu.

At least 19 people have been confirmed dead after the 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit on Saturday. This marks the second earthquake of the week for Japan after a 6.5-magnitude quake hit the region Thursday night killing nine. Some 1,500 were injured during the earthquakes.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a press release that China is concerned about the disaster, and expresses condolences over to the bereaved families and the injured.

Lu said there are no reports on Chinese casualties, but will continue to closely follow the disaster situation.