The recent major 7.4 magnitude earthquake and aftershocks in Japan have already caused significant damage and casualties, with at least 48 people dead and numerous buildings affected by fires and landslides.
Amid this emergency of the Japan earthquake, a Japan Airlines flight collided with a Japanese coastguard plane en route to aid earthquake-hit Niigata Airport. The passenger plane landed in flames at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
All 379 passengers and crew were evacuated, but five out of six people on the coastguard plane are unaccounted for.
Tsunami Warnings?
A significant tsunami warning for Ishikawa prefecture in Japan’s central west coast prompted lower-level warnings for other areas on Monday.
The warning was later lifted, but coastal residents were advised against immediate return. Waves over a meter high were reported, impacting transportation and services.
Despite restored train services and closed highways, some areas still lacked water, power, and cell phone connectivity by Tuesday. Japan remains on alert for potential further earthquakes.
Japan Earthquake Affected Areas
A series of tremors struck numerous regions along Japan’s Sea of Japan coast, affecting Ishikawa, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, Hyogo, Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Kyoto, Tottori, and Shimane prefectures, as well as Iki and Tsushima Islands. These quakes originated near Ishikawa’s Noto peninsula on New Year’s Day.
The impacted areas are known for their tourist attractions showcasing lacquerware, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage sites.
Travel Advice
UK Foreign Office Warns of Potential Aftershocks in Japan, Disrupted Transport Links
The UK Foreign Office has issued a cautionary advisory regarding the possibility of additional aftershocks following recent seismic activity in Japan. Transport networks in the affected areas have faced disruptions.
Travelers in these regions have been urged by the Foreign Office to adhere to directives from local authorities for safety measures. Additionally, they are encouraged to stay updated with the latest information through reliable sources such as NHK World News, the Japan Meteorological Agency, and the Japan National Tourism Agency.
The advisory comes in the wake of seismic disturbances impacting several regions in Japan, underlining the importance of vigilance and staying informed while in the affected areas.
(eTN): Japan Earthquake: Is It Safe To Travel? | re-post license | post content
