Is it safe to travel to Japan? Latest advice after magnitude-5 tremor felt near Tokyo
There is no risk of a tsunami following the earthquake
ShanonG
Weather experts have warned that more tremors could follow after a magnitude-5 earthquake hit near Tokyo, generating a temporary shake but no serious harm.
Several bullet train services between Sendai and Tokyo stations were delayed for hours as inspections were carried out.
The earthquake is not expected to seriously disrupt any travel. Here is the latest earthquake advice from governments and agencies for those in Japan.
Where did the earthquake hit?
The earthquake occurred Wednesday morning around 10.06am local time with a maximum seismic intensity of 5-. Its epicentre was at the Southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 48km.
The 5- seismic intensity was also felt in Mooka City, Tochigi Prefecture, while seismic intensities of 4 to 1 were observed from the Tohoku region to the Chubu region.
Japan uses a special shindo scale to describe how strongly the ground shakes during an earthquake. It goes from 0 to 7 and reflects the actual impact felt at a location, unlike magnitude, which measures the earthquake’s overall energy at its source.
A 5- seismic intensity (similar to magnitude 5) is described as possibly frightening people, and may cause objects such as dishes and books on shelves to fall, but it is unlikely furniture will fall unless the tremor reaches 5+.
Will more earthquakes follow?
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said that there is no risk of a tsunami from this earthquake, but areas that experienced strong shaking may be more susceptible to rockfalls and landslides.
It has asked visitors and residents to pay attention to future seismic activity.
The JMA says areas that those areas that experienced strong shaking should be aware of the possibility of earthquakes of up to magnitude 5 (on the Japanese seismic intensity scale) for about a week after the initial earthquake. Large-scale earthquakes are more likely to occur in the next two to three days.
There have already been some smaller tremors recorded by the agency, including a 4.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of the Miyagi Prefecture and a 3.2 tremor in the Central Tokachi Region in Hokkaido.
What should I do to keep safe?
In Japan, strong earthquakes are common, with the last recorded 5 magnitude earthquake on 11 January in the Eastern Shimane Prefecture.
The JMA will broadcast an earthquake early warning alarm to TVs, radios, cell phones and smartphones as quickly as possible before any strong vibrations occur.
In Japan, earthquake-resistant structures have been widely deployed for houses and buildings, and most buildings are fairly resistant to earthquakes. If you are in such a building during an earthquake, do not go outside until it is safe.
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) lists helpful apps and websites in the event of disaster and also directs people to the earthquake safety tips from the Japan National Tourism Agency.
Monitor earthquake information, including tsunami and aftershock warnings, from the Japan Meteorological Agency. See further news on earthquakes at NHK World. NHK is a Japanese public media organisation.
Take note of instructions in hotel rooms and at train stations and follow the advice of local authorities.
Will my Japan holiday be cancelled?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Japan, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund.
The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
If you do have travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
Read more: Japan warns of ongoing large earthquake risk after magnitude-5 tremor rocks Tokyo
