A SOLOMON Islands couple studying in Japan is safe following a serious of earthquake that struck last week.
Edwin Koveke and Margaret Neko-Koveke are reportedly safe and well in Kumamoto.
Polini and Alan McNeil told Solomon Star yesterday they have been in contact with the couple and can confirm they are safe after taking shelter at an evacuation centre.
“We are relieved to report that our relatives from Choiseul Edwin Koveke and Margaret Neko-Koveke are safe and well in Kumamoto, having evacuated from their apartment since the first earthquake hit the city on Thursday evening last week.
“Speaking to Margaret by phone over the weekend we heard they are still taking shelter at an evacuation centre, following further earthquakes and torrential rain over the weekend, which has threatened further landslides,” Mr&Mrs McNeil said.
“We visited Edwin and Margaret for Christmas last year and it is sad to see the people of Kumamoto suffering and the city’s buildings and infrastructure damaged or destroyed, but at least Edwin and Margaret are safe and well.”
Edwin is studying his PhD at Kumamoto University, and Margaret is expecting to give birth anytime during the next few days,; “so our hopes and prayers are with them at this difficult time.”
Since last week Japan had been affected by this disaster which also claimed a number of lives.
A magnitude-6.5 earthquake struck Thursday near Kumamoto, followed by a magnitude-7.3 earthquake just 28 hours later. The quakes have killed 41 people and injured about 1,500, flattened houses and triggered major landslides.
