Japan: Earthquake
Posted: 17 March 2011, 10:50 NZDT

On 11 March at 6.46pm NZ time a 9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the north east coast of Japan. Some coastal areas have been affected by a tsunami. Authorities have confirmed a large number of deaths and injuries. Strong aftershocks are continuing. Flight schedules to and from Japan may be disrupted. Communications have been affected so you may have difficulties contacting family in Japan.

The earthquake has caused major damage to Fukushima nuclear power facilities. In the interests of public safety Japanese authorities have evacuated residents around a 20km radius from the site. New Zealanders in Japan should follow this advice and not travel to the area surrounding the power plant. New Zealanders should also follow the advice being given by Japanese authorities to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed and not use ventilation if you are between 20km and 30km from the facility.

Advice on exposure to radiation arising from nuclear incidents in Japan

The National Radiation Laboratory (NRL) has been closely monitoring the situation at the Fukushima nuclear power facilities, in particular the potential exposure to radiation of New Zealanders in Japan.

Based on advice from the Japanese government and the International Atomic Energy Agency, the NRL reports that the declared nuclear emergency at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant led to a release of radioactive material. However the countermeasures implemented by the Japanese authorities including evacuation out to 20 km from the power station and sheltering for a further 10 km beyond that, should avert any significant radiation doses to the public. New Zealanders in Japan should not travel to these zones.

For those New Zealanders in Japan outside the controlled zone designated by the Japanese authorities, based on current information, NRL advises they are extremely unlikely to be contaminated and the health risks are negligible. No special precautions are required other than monitoring and acting on official advice from the Japanese authorities.

New Zealanders returning home from Japan are highly unlikely to be contaminated or exposed to significant radiation and will not require checks for radioactivity. However, if people wish to seek medical advice they should contact their local GP.

Protective measures may be revised by the Japanese Government as the situation develops.

The NRL will update this advice situation regularly.

Information on the status of the nuclear facilities in Fukushima can be found on the website of Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA). In addition to the official information above we advise people to consult the assessments of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Other Information

Tokyo Electric Power Company has advised there will be rolling blackouts in Tokyo and surrounding areas beginning 14 March. Disruptions to transport are continuing and there is heavy demand on train and bus transport to Narita airport. Transport out of Tokyo to the affected area (Tohoku) is slowly resuming.

New Zealanders are advised to follow all instructions issued by the Japanese authorities and to monitor local media for latest information.

New Zealanders who wish to leave Japan should contact their airline operator to check details of flight times. An Embassy consular officer is based at Narita airport to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders.

New Zealanders are advised against all tourist and other non essential travel to prefectures in Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami and all tourist and non-essential travel to Tokyo. New Zealanders intending to travel to other parts of Japan are asked to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Due to the ongoing risk of disruptions to essential services such as transport, communications, electric power and other infrastructure and the supply of goods we advise New Zealanders in Tokyo and the earthquake and tsunami affected provinces of Chiba, Fukushima, Miyagi, Aomori, Iwate and Ibaraki who do not have a pressing need to be in these areas to consider departing these areas.

New Zealanders with concerns about family in Japan should try to contact them directly in the first instance. If you cannot make contact and they are known to be in the north east of Japan, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on: 0800 432 111.

If calling from overseas call +64 4 439 8000.

• See the Japan travel advisory

• Register/update your travel details

ENDS

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