Japan earthquake: People respond to calls to prepare for huge earthquake

Communities in the northern and eastern regions of Japan are in a state of tension after the strong earthquake that occurred earlier this week. The danger is not over yet, because authorities say the possibility of a major earthquake has increased. They urge people to secure their homes and prepare to flee.

Check evacuation routes

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook the northern regions of the country late Monday. Shortly after, officials at the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a warning, saying the risk of a strong earthquake had increased along the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench off Hokkaido.

The measure covers 182 cities, towns and villages in Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures.

Officials are urging people to check evacuation routes, make sure household furniture is safe, and prepare emergency kits containing food, water and portable toilets.

Experts point to short-term tremors

Professor Sakai Yuki of Kyoto University's Disaster Prevention Research Institute analyzed seismic data from more than 20 sites following Monday's quake.

“There were many short-duration tremors of less than one second, with glass windows, walls and furniture being particularly vulnerable to damage,” he says.

Severe damage to bridges and roof panels at commercial facilities is also likely caused by short-lived earthquakes.

The earthquake damaged a shopping center in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture.

Sakai also says the quake had relatively few tremors that lasted for a second or two, making homes more likely to collapse. However, there is no reason to feel complacent.

Professor Sakai Yuki of Kyoto University's Disaster Prevention Research Institute speaks to NHK.

“The probability of another earthquake is still relatively high, and there is no guarantee that it will experience the same tremors for a short period,” he says. “Don’t assume your home is safe just because it survived this time.”

Shoppers are paying attention to tips

Many people take into account the advice to prepare for a potential huge earthquake. Workers at a home improvement store in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, began displaying disaster goods near the entrance on Tuesday.

The department offers all kinds of items, including water, light bulbs, and adjustable support poles to keep furniture from tipping over.

Many local stores now sell disaster goods.

A man in his 40s was seen buying some stabilizers for his refrigerator. “I almost fell in the earthquake. I hope we don't have another big one. I have young children, so I bought this as a precaution.”

Store officials say many customers are purchasing adjustable poles, portable toilets and water tanks.

Another home improvement store in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, was also busy. One employee said: “We have sufficient stock, so we urge our customers to act calmly.”

The store says sales of bottled water and disaster kits have tripled since Monday's quake.

This man bought emergency kits for his family.

A customer in his 30s said he visited the store after discussing the possibility of another earthquake with his family. “We decided to prepare, so I bought disaster gear for everyone.”

Winter presents challenges for evacuees

Earthquakes during the colder months in Japan can make evacuation particularly difficult.

“It was past midnight, and it was dark and cold,” says a man from the town of Hiroo in Hokkaido who moved to a nearby hill in his car after Monday's quake. “I ran the engine over and over to get it warm. I was worried about what might happen.”

An approved childcare center in Hokkaido has set up portable heaters and mats in case of emergency.

Staff at an approved childcare center in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, have set up portable warmers and heat mats, just in case.

“Our evacuation point is a concrete apartment building, so I don't want the children to get cold,” says director Saito Hiromi. He added: “Even when there is a 1% chance of an earthquake, I never assume that it will not happen. After the events of this week, we are dealing more carefully.”

Cold-weather basics can be crucial in disaster situations, says Nemoto Masahiro, a professor at the Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing in Hokkaido.

Long periods in the cold can lead to hypothermia. “It is essential to try to stay dry despite rain or snow,” says Professor Nemoto Masahiro of the Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing in Hokkaido. “Keep your body warm, and don't let the heat escape.”

For detailed earthquake information and the latest advice in English, visit the Japan Meteorological Agency website. (*Extracted from NHK WORLD-JAPAN website)

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