Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Travel Health Precaution
2011 Earthquake, Tsunami, and Radiation Release in Japan
This information is current as of today, March 20, 2011 at 14:06 EDT
Updated: March 18, 2011
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommends that all Americans within 50 miles of the Fukushima reactors should evacuate the area.
On March 11, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred off the east coast of Japan. A subsequent tsunami struck the coast, killing thousands of people and causing serious, widespread damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant and to buildings, roads, and power lines, particularly along the east coast of the Tohoku region.
At this time, the US Department of State urges US residents to avoid nonessential travel to Japan.
Damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant following the earthquake and tsunami has resulted in an ongoing leak of radiation from this facility. The Japanese government has evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents of Fukushima Prefecture living within 20 km (12 miles) of the nuclear power plant. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommends that all Americans remain a minimum of 80 km (50 miles) away from the plant. At this time, the risk of exposure to radiation and the risk of contamination from radioactive materials are believed to be low, especially for anyone outside a 50-mile radius of the nuclear power plant.
Hundreds of aftershocks have been felt since the earthquake, and the risk of aftershocks will continue for several weeks. Because of the risk of aftershocks, there is a continued risk of tsunamis. Travelers should also avoid coastal areas in the event of further aftershocks and tsunamis.
As of March 16, commercial flights have resumed at all airports except Fukushima, Hanamaki, and Sendai. Most public transportation in Tokyo is operating. Many roads, however, have been damaged in Tokyo and northern Japan, particularly in Miyagi Prefecture. Several seaports have reopened.
CDC recommends that travelers to Japan take precautions to protect their health. Floodwaters, downed power lines, wet electrical outlets, interrupted gas lines, and debris all pose health risks. Food and water shortages and disruptions in electricity and telephone service may be problems in affected areas. Rolling power outages are scheduled for the Tokyo Metropolitan Area and northern and central Honshu.
Seeking Care Abroad and Evacuation Planning
Health care resources in affected areas may be nonexistent or may be strained treating patients injured in the earthquake or tsunami. You can avoid straining these resources further by following the precautions above; however, in the event that you need care, locate a local health care provider and confirm that the facility is operational. It is best to identify a health care provider before you leave the United States.
Your insurance may not cover care you receive overseas, so check with your insurance company and, if necessary, consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance. Because of the continued risk of earthquakes and tsunamis and the possibility that the damaged nuclear power plant may release increasing amounts of radiation and radioactive material, evacuation may be necessary, and you may also consider purchasing evacuation insurance. For more information on travel health and evacuation insurance, see http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/travel-insurance-evacuation-insurance.aspx.
For more information on the tsunami, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tsunamis/.
For more information on radiation emergencies, visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/contamination.asp.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content.../2011-earthquake-tsunami-radiation-japan.aspx<!--/PAGEWATCH-->
2011 Earthquake, Tsunami, and Radiation Release in Japan
This information is current as of today, March 20, 2011 at 14:06 EDT
Updated: March 18, 2011
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommends that all Americans within 50 miles of the Fukushima reactors should evacuate the area.
On March 11, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred off the east coast of Japan. A subsequent tsunami struck the coast, killing thousands of people and causing serious, widespread damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant and to buildings, roads, and power lines, particularly along the east coast of the Tohoku region.
At this time, the US Department of State urges US residents to avoid nonessential travel to Japan.
Damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant following the earthquake and tsunami has resulted in an ongoing leak of radiation from this facility. The Japanese government has evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents of Fukushima Prefecture living within 20 km (12 miles) of the nuclear power plant. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommends that all Americans remain a minimum of 80 km (50 miles) away from the plant. At this time, the risk of exposure to radiation and the risk of contamination from radioactive materials are believed to be low, especially for anyone outside a 50-mile radius of the nuclear power plant.
Hundreds of aftershocks have been felt since the earthquake, and the risk of aftershocks will continue for several weeks. Because of the risk of aftershocks, there is a continued risk of tsunamis. Travelers should also avoid coastal areas in the event of further aftershocks and tsunamis.
As of March 16, commercial flights have resumed at all airports except Fukushima, Hanamaki, and Sendai. Most public transportation in Tokyo is operating. Many roads, however, have been damaged in Tokyo and northern Japan, particularly in Miyagi Prefecture. Several seaports have reopened.
CDC recommends that travelers to Japan take precautions to protect their health. Floodwaters, downed power lines, wet electrical outlets, interrupted gas lines, and debris all pose health risks. Food and water shortages and disruptions in electricity and telephone service may be problems in affected areas. Rolling power outages are scheduled for the Tokyo Metropolitan Area and northern and central Honshu.
Seeking Care Abroad and Evacuation Planning
Health care resources in affected areas may be nonexistent or may be strained treating patients injured in the earthquake or tsunami. You can avoid straining these resources further by following the precautions above; however, in the event that you need care, locate a local health care provider and confirm that the facility is operational. It is best to identify a health care provider before you leave the United States.
Your insurance may not cover care you receive overseas, so check with your insurance company and, if necessary, consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance. Because of the continued risk of earthquakes and tsunamis and the possibility that the damaged nuclear power plant may release increasing amounts of radiation and radioactive material, evacuation may be necessary, and you may also consider purchasing evacuation insurance. For more information on travel health and evacuation insurance, see http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/travel-insurance-evacuation-insurance.aspx.
For more information on the tsunami, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tsunamis/.
For more information on radiation emergencies, visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/contamination.asp.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content.../2011-earthquake-tsunami-radiation-japan.aspx<!--/PAGEWATCH-->