Tsunami warnings have been lifted in Japan following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake on Thursday but fears have been raised that a ‘megaquake’ affecting a large part of the country could be triggered.
The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling on people to take disaster prevention measures, warning that the possibility of a mega earthquake is higher than usual.
UK Foreign Office travel advice for Japan yesterday morning said the earthquake off the southern island of Kyushu had hit southwestern Japan, in and around Miyazaki Prefecture.
The prefectures where tsunami warnings or advisories initially issued covered Miyazaki, Kochi, Oita, Kagoshima and Ehime.
The FCDO said: “If you are in the affected areas, stay away from seashores and riverbanks, and follow the instructions from the local authorities and check the latest information on NHK World News.”
In an update at 2.25pm on Thursday, the advice said: “Following the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a Nankai Trough megaquake alert – meaning that there is a heightened risk of a large-scale earthquake which could affect large parts of Japan.
“People in Japan are advised to take precautionary measures for a heightened risk of a further earthquake per the Japan National Tourism Organisation advice and follow any further advice from local and national authorities.”
NHK World News reported: “The Japanese Meteorological Agency has issued a megaquake advisory after Thursday’s quake.
“The height of the tsunami is expected to be one metre.
“People in areas where the tsunami advisory has been issued are advised to stay away from seashores and riverbanks.
“Tsunami waves can surge many times and suddenly rise. They can strike with strong force.
“People are advised to avoid seashores and do not attempt to observe the situation.”
The article said there is “human and property damage” but “no reports of abnormalities at nuclear facilities, including the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant”.
It added: “According to Japan’s transport ministry, departures and arrivals from Miyazaki airport are currently suspended due to the strong earthquake that hit the region.”
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa said: “We will make an utmost effort to take disaster emergency measures, placing top priority on rescue operations mainly by police, fire departments, self-defence forces and the Japan Coast Guard.
“People who live in areas struck by strong tremors should pay attention to evacuation information issued by municipalities as well as information on TV, radio and the internet.”
A spokesperson for Inside Travel Group, the parent of Inside Japan Tours, said: “We’ve confirmed no clients were in the affected area, which is about 1,128km from Tokyo.
“At this stage, we do not anticipate a direct impact on future group tours, however, our customer experience and operations team on the ground will continue to monitor the situation.
“Although it’s a country used to earthquakes, our thoughts are with Japan and anyone affected.”
They added: “One side-effect of yesterday’s earthquake is that shinkansen trains are running at slightly reduced speeds between Mishima and Mikawa-Anjo over the next week and some of our pre-arranged taxi pick up services will adjust times to suit.
“As a result, our customer experience team will be contacting travellers that are due to be in the region and not only make them aware that there may be slight changes to times, but to reassure them that things are ok and running pretty much normally.
“A huge benefit of travelling with InsideJapan is that we do have 24-hour customer experience support on the ground along with our own operations there to watch over and aid customers when more minor and major situations arise.”