Japan: Disruptions after deadly Osaka earthquake June 18 /update 2

Event

At least three people were killed and 91 injured in the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that rattled Osaka prefecture - as well as Hyogo, Kyoto, and Shiga prefectures - at 07:58 (local time) on Monday, June 18. Associated power outages reportedly affected over 170,000 households in Osaka and Hyogo. Train service across the Kansai region was strongly disrupted throughout the day, including on high-speed Shinkansen lines. Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM) briefly suspended their operations for safety reasons. Additionally, mobile phone networks faced disruptions. Lingering power outages and rail transportation disruptions are expected in affected areas in the coming hours.

No tsunami warning was issued. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that aftershocks with magnitudes as strong as 6 on the Richter scale are possible over coming week.

Context

Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent earthquakes every year. Rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even strong tremors often do little damage. However, a massive undersea earthquake in March 2011 near Fukushima sent a tsunami barreling into Japan's northeastern coast, leaving more than 18,000 people dead or missing and sending three reactors into meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. In April 2016, two strong earthquakes followed by more than 1700 aftershocks hit the southern prefecture of Kumamoto, leaving at least 50 dead and causing widespread damage.

Advice

Individuals in Japan are advised to be prepared for aftershocks and to confirm travel reservations. In the event of an earthquake, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls, and to not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights. In general, after a powerful earthquake, check for damages and take note of your surroundings. If indoors, shut off water, gas, and electricity lines and evacuate the building.