an update from Canadian consular services in Japan
the journal of Michael Werneburg
twenty-seven years and one million words
I've received another update from the Canadian consular services 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 against non-essential travel to Tokyo and surrounding areas, as well as the prefectures of Chiba, Miyagi, Ibaraki, Iwate, Aomori and Fukushima (see regional warning below), due to damages caused by the March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunamis. Sendai City, Fukushima City and Aomori City have been hardest hit.
Reports indicate that the earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the northeastern prefectures of the country. Power and telecommunications have been disrupted. Transportation routes, emergency and medical care, as well as water, food, and fuel supplies may also be affected. Canadians travelling to affected areas should contact their airline or tour operator to determine whether the situation will disrupt travel arrangements. They should also exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.
The Tokyo region also experienced significant shaking. Travellers should be aware that transportation routes, power and telecommunications systems could be affected in some areas. Travel to and from Narita International Airport may be difficult.
Temporary rolling blackouts in Tokyo and neighbouring areas are occuring. Canadians in need of assistance should visit our Assistance for Canadians in Japan page.
We advise against all travel within 80 km of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.
Following damage to the Fukushima nuclear power station in Okumacho, Canadians are strongly advised to follow the advice issued by the Japanese authorities. An evacuation order is in effect for the zone within 20km of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Japanese authorities recommend that people between 20km and 30km from the plant remain indoors with windows and doors closed and refrain from using ventilation systems.
There is no radiation health risk to Canadians travelling into or out of Japan, provided they have not been within the evacuation zone established by Japan.
Given the evolving situation, Canadians living within 80 km of the plant are advised that they should, as a further precautionary measure, evacuate this area. The directions of the Japanese government and local emergency response personnel should also be followed by all Canadians in Japan.
Information on the status of nuclear facilities in Japan can be obtained on the websites of the Japan Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
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 / Section consulaire"