In the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, Europ Assistance USA continues to coordinate efforts with clients and our global network of medical, logistical and security resources.
We remain ready and equipped to handle calls from members seeking assistance. EA USA is currently managing cases involving approximately 217 customers, many of whom were moved from the affected zones to a safer location in Japan with several others evacuated from Japan via commercial airline on regularly-scheduled flights. To-date there are no medical emergency cases and all customers have been accounted for.
Following are highlights of the situation on the ground and as always, for the most current information please consult the news media.
The United States Geological Survey recently revised the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Japan to a 9.0 on the Richter scale.
The confirmed death toll has so far risen to at least 2,478 with about 400,000 people living in temporary shelters.
The U.S. State Department released an announcement stating that travelers and non-essential personnel may consider leaving Japan since the spread of the radiation remains unclear and the situation at the nuclear facility could intensify. Although, there have been opposing views on whether and/or how radioactive materials in the northeast could affect air quality, water sources and food supply in areas outside Fukushima in the present and future.
Several foreign governments have advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to northeast Japan, due to the damage caused by last Friday’s earthquake and ongoing aftershocks.
Two 6.0 magnitude aftershocks have recently occurred, making Tokyo’s buildings even more unstable. However, there have not been any reports of damages or casualties.
Essential supplies are limited in most areas of the region, which is, in part, a result of panic-stricken victims. Telecommunications have been unreliable as power rationing in specific areas is in place and outages are expected. Ground and air transportation continues to be challenging with the majority of public transportation services severely disrupted or suspended while major roads or motorways have been damaged or closed off.
As of right now, some airlines are canceling flights to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport as Japan’s nuclear crisis continues to intensify. Lufthansa has stated it would fly to Osaka and Nagoya but stop flying to Narita. Air France has stopped flying directly to Tokyo and would now layover in Seoul. Air China and Taiwan’s Eva Air also canceled flights to and from Tokyo. Cathay Pacific, flag carrier for Hong Kong, is now offering special one-way flights from both Haneda and Narita airports in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka and Sapporo. Additionally, following the eruption of Mount Shinmoedake on Japan’s southern Kyushu Island on Sunday, some flights are experiencing delays.
As always, EA USA encourages clients and customers to contact our 24/7 assistance center if they are in need of assistance.
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