Updated travel guidance has been issued for Japan following a series of earthquakes. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has warned people from the UK who are in Japan or planning to travel there that they face transport disruptions as well as the possibility of aftershocks.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than a dozen quakes in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 7 am UK time on New Year’s Day. The quakes, with the largest reaching a magnitude of 7.6, caused a fire and building collapses on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu.
Although the highest-level tsunami alert was initially issued, it was later downgraded to a regular tsunami with waves of up to three meters in height. The nation’s meteorological agency has also warned of the possibility of aftershocks in the same area over the next few days. As a result, residents in coastal areas have been advised not to return to their properties, and approximately 30,000 homes are without power.
In response to the events, the Foreign Office has updated its guidance, providing a full list of affected areas. The affected areas include the Sea of Japan coast in Ishikawa, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, Hyogo, Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Kyoto, Tottori, and Shimane prefectures, as well as Iki and Tsushima Islands. The Foreign Office advises individuals to follow the instructions from local authorities and stay updated with the latest information on NHK World news.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who visited Japan in May for the G7 leaders’ meeting, expressed his concern for those affected and urged Britons in the affected areas to follow Japanese authorities’ advice. He also emphasized that Britain is ready to support Japan during this difficult time. Similarly, US President Joe Biden assured that his administration is in touch with officials in Tokyo and ready to provide necessary assistance to the Japanese people.
Japan is notorious for being prone to earthquakes, but a tsunami warning of this magnitude has not been issued since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 that led to nuclear plant meltdowns.
The recently issued travel guidance and updates emphasize the need for caution and preparedness when traveling to or within Japan. The Foreign Office’s recommendation to monitor NHK World news for the latest updates reflects the importance of staying informed about potential aftershocks and transport disruptions.
