Earthquake hits Japan, triggering tsunami off Fukushima

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 has struck off the coast of Fukushima prefecture in Japan, triggering a tsunami as residents are being urged to flee to higher ground.

The earthquake was first recorded as magnitude-7.3, but later downgraded to 6.9 in the Fukushima prefecture, north of Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency reports the quake struck around 6am local time at a depth of 10 kilometres.

Unfortunately the area’s residents are all too familiar with earthquakes, after today’s quake struck once again off the coast of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which suffered a triple meltdown after a 2011 quake and tsunami disaster which left about 18,000 people dead and triggered a nuclear crisis.

Since this morning’s incident, a number of small tsunamis have been registered along the coastline, ranging from 30 centimetres to 1.4 metres, ABC news state.

Authorities warn the waves could continue to rise to a maximum of three metres, and have urged residents to flee to higher ground.

According to Phil Sylvester, Travel Safety Specialist, Travel Insurance Direct, travellers should pay special attention to their insurance policies regarding tsunamis.

According to Sylvester, travellers are covered by TID insurance “as long as you bought your policy before the earthquake struck and the tsunami warning was issued there are very many parts of your policy against which you could make a claim if you’re out of pocket”.

TID answers a few other questions that may arise following today’s incident:

Can I cancel because I don’t want to go anymore?

Sorry, no. We don’t cover “change of mind”. Our insurance – and most insurance in Australia – is designed to recompense you for monetary losses over which you had no control. If the planes are flying, the hotel’s opening, the tours are running, then there’s no financial loss to be covered.

But, if you’re really worried you could talk to the airline, hotel and tour provider and ask for a refund, or ask to reschedule to another time.

Warning signs of an impending tsunami – and what to do.

Tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes, so if you feel an earthquake that lasts for 20 seconds or longer or should the sea suddenly recede from the shoreline, or you hear a loud roar, do not wait for an official order to evacuate, move immediately to higher ground.

If there are no hills close to where you are, get inside a high-rise hotel, office block or apartment block and head to the top floor, or at least a few floors up. The heavy-set structure of these buildings should be more than enough to prevent toppling from tsunami waters.

Remain on higher ground for several hours. As tsunamis consist of a series of waves, the first wave to arrive may not be the largest. Waves can arrive up to an hour apart, so do not presume that it is safe to return to low-lying areas once the first wave has subsided.

Be cautious with warnings and ‘all clear’ advice. In some cases, authorities have delivered radio broadcasts giving an all clear for people to descend from the hill, only to be trumped by a second, third or fourth wave

After the tsunami

Natural disasters can disrupt water supplies and sewage systems. If bottled water is not available, water should be boiled or disinfected.

Food should be carefully chosen to reduce the risk of getting gastrointestinal illness.

Lung infections may occur after inhalation of sea water.

Disasters resulting in massive structural damage can also result in exposure to chemical or biological contaminants (e.g., asbestos).

The floodwaters may have flushed a host of dangerous animals, such as snakes and scorpions, out of their normal environment.

Preparing for a tsunami

If you are travelling to areas that are known to be tsunami hotspots, it is vital to be prepared. Inside your travel pack, make sure you keep an emergency kit in case you need to make a dash in the middle of the night.

In it keep basic food, water, climate-appropriate clothing, and if possible a small first aid kit. However, try your best to keep it light so you can pick it up and scamper in an instant.

Talk to the locals about what tsunami warning systems are in place, so you recognise them when you hear them, or an access information quickly.

Also talk to them about the local emergency evacuation plan; where to go, how to get there etc.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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