EARTHQUAKE

As Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire earthquakes do occur. The Japan Meteorological Agency rates seismic intensity (shindo) in 10 stages from 0 to 7. At level 5 objects will fall from shelves and windows may break. Large tremors usually last less than a minute. It is important to stay calm and take steps to avoid secondary disasters such as fire or injuries from fallen objects. Recommended preparations for earthquakes include anchoring furniture to walls or the floor so they can’t fall over, confirming escape routes and meeting places, storing drinking water and having a first-aid kit etc. If an earthquake occurs you should get under a solid table or in a doorway and stay still until the tremor ceases. Once the tremor stops, open a door way so you can leave, turn off gas valves and water taps. Many deaths after an earthquake are caused by fire and smoke.

TYPHOON, HEAVY RAIN

Typhoons are similar to cyclones and hurricanes—weather systems of very low pressure bringing strong winds and flooding rains. When a typhoon comes you should avoid going out. If you do, stay away from rivers, streams, storm water drains and the ocean.

  Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
  Osaka Disaster Prevention Net

*The information on this site is subject to change without notice. IFReC accepts no responsibility for any inconvenience resulting from use of the information contained on this site.