Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the thoughts and prayers of the people of the Toowoomba region were with the people of Japan following Monday morning’s earthquake.
At least three people were killed and 91 injured when an estimated 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck western Japan including Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Shiga prefectures.
The casualties included a nine-year-old girl crushed under a falling wall outside Takatsuki Municipal Juei Elementary School.
“Today we have been made aware that the disaster has directly affected our Sister City Takatsuki,” Mayor Antonio said.
“There have been casualties caused by the earthquake and we pray for the families of those that have been affected.
“Our Sister City relationship with Takatsuki stretches back 26 years and during that time we have developed strong ties with the people of the region.
“Our ties are through Council, community, education, sports and cultural exchanges.
“Our community has already shared a strong bond during times of disaster.
“The City of Takatsuki donated $30,000 to our own disaster appeal following the 2011 floods that hit our Toowoomba region.
“The community of Takatsuki also generously purchased Taiko drums for our Toowoomba Taiko Drum Group.
“We stand with Takatsuki during their time of need.
“In the coming days when the extent of the disaster is understood further, we will be looking at ways that our region can more directly support the people of Takatsuki.”
