Hongkongers warned of Japan travel risks after megaquake advisory

Hong Kong authorities have advised residents to exercise caution if they are in Japan or plan to visit the country, following a megaquake advisory from the Japanese authorities triggered by a strong earthquake that occurred last Thursday.

The Security Bureau on Monday updated its existing amber outbound travel alert on Japan, urging Hongkongers to closely monitor the situation after the country was hit by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Miyazaki prefecture last week.

“It is now the peak summer travel season, and Japan is a popular tourist destination for Hongkongers,” a government spokesman said.

“As the Japanese authorities have issued a megaquake warning for parts of Japan, the Special Administrative Region government reminds Hong Kong residents who plan to visit or are already in the country to stay vigilant, pay attention to their safety and take note of the latest announcements from the Japanese government.”

The current alert for Japan was issued in July 2012 and had been regularly updated to include events such as the release of treated waste water from nuclear plants in Fukushima in August last year.

The amber alert, the lowest level on a three-tier system that also includes red and black alerts, is a reminder for travellers to stay vigilant as it indicates signs of a threat in a country.

An amber outbound travel alert from the Hong Kong authorities is also in force against 19 other countries or destinations, including the United Kingdom for its recent anti-immigration riots and Bangladesh amid protests as well as violent clashes across the country.

Hongkongers requiring assistance may call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, or use the hotline via the department’s mobile app.

They can also contact the Chinese embassy in Japan at (81) 3-6450-2195, or send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp or WeChat assistance hotlines.

On August 8, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck about 19km (12 miles) off the coast of Miyazaki prefecture at 3.42pm Hong Kong time, which led to fears of a tsunami.

The Japan Meteorological Agency at first expected tsunamis of up to a metre (3.2 feet) in some coastal regions of Kyushu and Shikoku islands.

But reports confirmed smaller waves of 50cm (19.7 inches), 20cm and 10cm were recorded in some spots, including the port city of Miyazaki, an hour after the earthquake.