stay away from fukushima
the journal of Michael Werneburg
twenty-seven years and one million words
This evening (Toronto time) I've had another update from the Canadian embassy in Japan, as follows:
"On March 12th, the Prime Minister of Japan declared a nuclear emergency following a problem with the cooling system power supply at nuclear reactors at the Fukushima plants. The emergency declaration followed the March 11th 8.9-magnitude earthquake off the country's northeast coast.
We strongly advise you to follow the advice issued by the Japanese authorities and not travel near the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Okumacho. Japanese authorities have widened to 20 kilometres the precautionary evacuation zone around the plant following an explosion on 12 March. Canadians within the evacuation zone should follow instructions of the authorities and evacuate immediately.
You should reconsider your need to travel to the Chiba, Fukushima, Miyagi, Aomori, Iwate and Ibaraki Prefectures and surrounding districts until further notice due to the disruption to essential services caused by the earthquake.
You should reconsider your need to travel to Nagano and Niigata Prefectures due to the threat of further earthquakes and the risk of avalanches. Canadians in these areas, particularly tourists and short-term visitors, should follow the advice of local authorities and carefully consider their ongoing need to remain in the area.
If you require assistance, please let us know by sending an e-mail or calling us at 03.5412.6200. If you require immediate emergency assistance after Embassy office hours (09:00 - 17:30 JST), you may call 03.5412.6200 and your call will be transferred automatically to our Emergency Operation Center in Ottawa, Canada, or you can call directly at 1.613.996.8885. They are available 24/7.
We also suggest that you contact your family in Canada and inform them of your situation.
Best regards,
Consular Section"