A severe 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the Japanese coast on March 11th resulting in major damage to the country’s infrastructure. Its epicenter was 373 kilometers (231 miles) from Tokyo. All major modes of transportation have been halted due to massive damage and flooding. Additionally, aftershocks between 5.6 and 7.1 magnitudes are continuing. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued tsunami warnings for large areas of the Pacific Rim. Japan’s meteorological agency has issued its top-level evacuation alerts for the entire Japanese coast, warning of a tsunami of up to 10 meters (33 feet). A tsunami predicted to have a maximum height of 8.6 meters (28 feet) has already engulfed Kamaishi, Japan.
Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports, which were temporarily closed, have reopened but are operating at a minimal level, with some departing flights in service while all arriving flights have been redirected to other airports. Most international and domestic airlines have suspended flight operations while many airports, especially in the north and east, remain closed. Other forms of transportation, including trains and underground metro services, have been suspended. Significant disruption to traffic has been reported on highways and major roads in Tokyo, as well as most parts of the northern and eastern areas, where major sections of motorways have either been damaged or inundated by the tsunami.
The State Department issued a travel alert and recommends U.S. citizens in Japan who require assistance or those who are concerned that their loved one(s) in Japan may require assistance should contact the US Department of State.
U.S. citizens currently in Japan should contact family and friends in the United States to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook. U.S. citizens may contact the Department of State at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov and the emergency contact numbers below.
U.S. citizens in Japan are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy/Consulates to contact them in case of emergency.
Updated information on travel and security in Japan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
EA USA has at least 160 impacted customers in the region but no active cases at this time. As always, we encourage clients and customers to contact our 24/7 assistance center if they are in need of assistance.
Following are some tips and advice for those in the region to heed as they attempt to stay secure and/or leave the affected area.
- For those who are planning on traveling by air or train, check in with your airline, railway or travel agent immediately to readjust/confirm all travel arrangements. All major modes of transportation are likely to be extremely congested so please leave enough time to check in.
- The local infrastructure has been greatly impacted by the recent disaster so take extreme caution as there may be a loss of power, water may not be fit for drinking, roads may be closed, damaged or blocked off, law enforcement and medical assistance may be delayed as the disaster has made traveling difficult.
- Aftershocks from the quake are likely to occur and may vary in intensity. If possible, turn off power, gas and water. Contrary to popular wisdom, doorways offer little protection and could in fact cause injury should the door slam into you. Move away from windows, glass doors and unsecured heavy objects that could tip over. Seek cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and/or hold on to furniture for balance. If in bed when the temblor occurs, stay there and cover yourself with bedding. Don’t run outside if you are inside. The danger of falling debris is greater outside a building.
- Tsunamis can rapidly flood coastal areas with devastating results. Areas that are less than 25 ft/8 m above sea level and within 1 mi/1.6 km of the shoreline are at greatest risk. If you’re in a coastal area when an earthquake occurs, first protect yourself from the earthquake by dropping, taking cover and holding on. When the shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground away from the coast. If you’re on the beach and the water suddenly and dramatically recedes from the shoreline, a tsunami may be imminent. The approaching wave may be visible as a churning line of foamy water, but it may not be visible at all until it strikes. Collect your belongings and run for higher ground immediately, or climb to the highest floor of a multistory, well-built building. Avoid downed power lines, and stay away from buildings and bridges which could cause heavy objects to fall during an aftershock. As a last resort, climb as high as you can into a sturdy tree or climb onto the roof of a building. Tsunamis often occur as multiple waves of varying size, so do not return to an affected area until you’re certain the danger has passed.
- Dress appropriately before venturing outside. Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, sturdy shoes and protective wear if possible. Listen to a battery-operated radio for updates on the situation and use battery-operated power sources if possible to reduce the chance of a fire hazard. Only drink bottled water if possible. If you are without bottled water, boil your water first for several minutes before drinking.
- Become familiar with evacuation procedures whether you are staying at a hotel, resort or private accommodations. If an evacuation is issued, make sure you have emergency medical supplies, a full tank of gas for your car, an extra pair of clothes, blankets, medications, aids (e.g. hearing aids and glasses), all important paperwork (e.g. insurance policies and passport) and non-perishable food.
As events unfold, we will continue to provide updates.
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