How it works:
- Earthquakes and tsunamis:
- In a major earthquake zone
- Volcanoes:
- 110 active ones
- Cyclones:
- May to September
- Southern Japan more at risk
- Snowstorms and avalanches:
- December to March
- Mountainous areas in Western Honshu and Hokkaido at risk
- Rainy season:
- July to September
- May trigger flooding
What to do:
- Timing:
- Travel at the “right” time to the “right” place
- Monitor:
- Media reports, weather forecasts
- Japan Meteorological Agency
- NHK World-Japan free apps
- Reacting to one:
- Earthquakes: drop (to hands and knees), cover (head and neck with arms), hold on (to sturdy furniture); expect aftershocks.
- Tsunamis: signs include abnormal ocean activity and load roars. Protect yourself from an earthquake first if there is one. Else, get to a high ground as far inland as possible.
- Volcanic eruption: avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano, do not drive in heavy ash fall, seek shelter (if no need to evacuate) or high ground if no shelter (crouch down away from volcano, cover head with arms).
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