Hongkongers warned of Japan travel risks after megaquake advisory
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred off the coast of the East Asian country’s Miyazaki prefecture last week
Hong Kong authorities have advised residents to exercise caution if they are in Japan or plan to visit, following a “megaquake advisory” from authorities in the country after a strong earthquake last week.
The Security Bureau on Monday updated its existing amber outbound travel alert for 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 Thursday.
“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 [Hong Kong] 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 Japanese authorities issued their first “megaquake advisory” just hours after the earthquake hit on Thursday.
Hong Kong’s current amber 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 the nuclear plant in Fukushima in August last year.
