We're all safe - Azkals

MANILA, Philippines –  The Azkals are all safe and sound after another powerful earthquake, this time with a magnitude of 8.9, struck the northeastern coast of Japan yesterday afternoon.

“Just to let everyone know we’re all safe in Japan. We’re quite far from the coastline so no need to worry,” said Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo on Twitter a few hours after the earthquake.

It was the second earthquake to hit Japan in three days, and yesterday’s was more powerful than Wednesday’s which had a magnitude of 7.3.

There were reports of heavy damage in the areas most hit by the earthquake, with aftershocks as powerful at 7.4 as well as tsunami alerts even in the neighboring countries.

The Azkals are in Gotemba, close to 200 km away from Tokyo, as part of their training for the March 15 match with Mongolia in Ulan Bator.

“The Azkals are safe. Felt the tremors but otherwise okay,” said Azkals team manager Dan Palami who flew home to the Philippines from Japan the other day.

The Azkals were supposed to train in Fukushima but at the last minute had moved to Gotemba.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because in Fukushima, six people died and many more were hurt after yesterday’s earthquake.

It was very difficult to get through the phone and get a first-hand account from the Azkals regarding the earthquake which struck at 2:46 p.m. (Japan time).

“No phone connection. We are all fine. But we don’t know how we are going to fly because the airports are all closed,” said Azkals goalie Chris Camcam on Twitter.

“Just want to let you know that the team is alright here in Japan. Please send your prayers to the rest of the country,” said defender Anton del Rosario.

Because of yesterday’s earthquake, Palami raised some concern regarding the Azkals’ flight to Ulan Bator Saturday evening.

“Airports have been closed but hopefully it won’t affect flight to Mongolia tomorrow,” said Palami.

Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta called The STAR to assure everyone that the Azkals are safe in their training camp.

“They’re okay. No need to worry,” said Araneta, who said two Azkals players coming in from the United States might take longer to get to Japan.

Araneta said he still has to receive word on Jason Sabio, who’s coming in from Chicago, and Simon Greatwich, who’s flying in from Houston.

“They were supposed to arrive in Japan at 2:30 and 4:25 yesterday. Maybe their flights have been diverted because of the closure of the airports,” said the PFF chief.

But Araneta said he’s hoping that things would normalize soon, and that Sabio and Greatwich will be able to join the team before the day is over.

Araneta said the second tuneup match between the Azkals and a Japanese squad, scheduled for today, may no longer take place because of what had happened.

The Azkals lost to the Kanto University team the other day, 4-0, in a match played under sub-zero weather.

“Airports were closed, train tracks as well. Maybe that second match will be cancelled,” said Araneta.

The quake struck at a depth of six miles (10 kilometers), about 80 miles (125 kilometers) off the eastern coast, the agency said. The area is 240 miles (380 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo.