The Government is chartering aircraft to evacuate Britons from Japan to Hong Kong as concerns heighten over fallout from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its travel advice today, saying: “Due to the evolving situation at the Fukushima nuclear facility and potential disruptions to the supply of goods, transport, communications, power and other infrastructure, British nationals currently in Tokyo and to the north of Tokyo should consider leaving the area.
“The UK government is chartering flights from Tokyo to Hong Kong to supplement commercially available options for those wishing to leave Japan.”
Britons were urged to remain outside an 80km radius of the nuclear plant “as an additional precautionary measure,” saying the call was in line with the US government’s advice to its citizens in Japan.
“If you are currently between 30km and 80km from the facility, we advise you to leave the area or take shelter indoors if you are unable to travel,” the FCO said. Britons seeking to leave Japan were advised to use commercial flights as their first option or register interest in the charter option to Hong Kong.
“For those British nationals and their immediate families directly affected by the tsunami there will be no charge,” the FCO said. “FCO staff will be available in Hong Kong to help you with onward bookings.
“For British nationals and their immediate families who were not directly affected by the tsunami, and who want to make use of this option, there will be a charge of £600 per person, in line with commercial flight options.”
The official death toll is reported to have reached more than 4,300, but experts believe the figure will climb to more than 10,000. Police say more 452,000 people are staying in schools and other shelters, as supplies of fuel, medicine and other essential goods run short.