Is it protected to journey to Japan? Newest recommendation after earthquake sparks ‘megaquake’ fears

Travellers have been advised to “remain vigilant” after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck north jap and northern Japan on Monday.

Yesterday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) forecast imminent tsunami waves for components of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures, with the best tsunami waves recorded at round 80cm on the east coast.

Although all tsunami warnings and advisories have been lifted, authorities have warned that the chance of one other, much more highly effective earthquake will stay this week.

Here is the most recent journey recommendation for Japan, plus all the important thing questions and solutions, following the earthquake.

Is it protected to journey to Japan?

As of Tuesday morning, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned travellers in Japan: “The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a precautionary megaquake alert, meaning there is an increased risk of strong earthquakes occurring in the coming week.

“Residents and tourists in Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba should remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities.”

General FCDO security recommendation for Japan warns that the nation sits “in a major earthquake zone”.

Travellers are advised to “take note of instructions in hotel rooms and at train stations and follow the advice of local authorities” within the occasion of a catastrophe.

Earthquake, tsunami and aftershock warnings could be monitored on the Japan Meteorological Agency web site.

What have native authorities stated?

On Monday, Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, stated the federal government had arrange an emergency job pressure ⁠and urged residents within the affected areas to evacuate to ​security.

Where did the earthquake hit?

The earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast at 4.53pm native time, with its epicentre positioned at latitude 39.8 north and longitude 143.2 east, in accordance with the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The quake registered a magnitude of seven.7 with a seismic depth recorded as higher 5 on Japan’s seismic scale, which matches as much as 7. According to the size, the higher 5 signifies that “most people find it difficult to walk without holding on to a stable object” and that “unfixed furniture may fall over”.

Where are there tsunami warnings?

Japan is positioned alongside the notorious “Pacific Ring of Fire” the place the Pacific, North American, Eurasian and Filipino tectonic plates converge. The high-convergence zone makes Japan one of many world’s most seismically energetic areas.

Yesterday, a forecast from Japan’s Meteorological Agency stated tsunami waves might attain the Pacific coast of Hokkaido and Iwate prefectures.

Authorities urged the residents to keep away from coastal areas ⁠the place tsunami waves between one and three metres had been initially anticipated.

Warnings had been later downgraded to “advisories”, which means swells of as much as one metre had been predicted. By midnight native time, all warnings and advisories had been lifted.

Are flights going to Japan?

Per FlightRadar24, flights to and from Japan are largely working as scheduled following the earthquake.

On Monday, Tokyo Aomori bullet prepare companies had been suspended between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori stations for a number of hours earlier than resuming later within the night. Some motorways had been additionally closed as a result of tremors.

Can I cancel my Japan vacation?

As the FCDO has not warned in opposition to non-essential journey to Japan, there shall be no particular circumstances in place to have the ability to cancel a visit for a full refund. The situations for cancelling your journey shall be dependent in your vacation supplier, so it’s greatest to contact them if you happen to’re trying to postpone as a result of earthquake considerations. There isn’t any obligation for corporations to refund bookings if you wish to cancel, and also you will be unable to say in your journey insurance coverage as a result of security considerations until authorities recommendation adjustments.

Read extra: Japan earthquake mapped