Barry Rawlings expressed his condolences to Barnet residents affected by the New Year’s Day earthquake

The leader of Barnet Council has expressed his sympathy and condolences to local residents affected by the earthquake which hit Japan on New Year’s Day.

Barry Rawlings spoke out following the earthquake, which measured at 7.6 on the richter scale and has so far led to more than 50 people being killed and over 50,000 being evacuated from their homes.

Barnet is home to the second largest Japanese community in London, with nearly 2,000 of the borough’s residents identifying as Japanese.

Cllr Rawlings said: “The borough of Barnet is home to London’s second largest Japanese community. On behalf of everyone who calls Barnet home, I extend my sympathy and condolences to our friends and neighbours affected by the tragedy. The scale of devastation and loss of life is heartbreaking to witness. I know our communities will rally and pull together to offer support to those most in need at this terrible time.”

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