Due to the earthquake that occurred on April 20, 63 municipalities in Hokkaido have been under a „Late-Seismic Earthquake Advisory“ until the 27th.

How are coastal towns preparing?

On April 20, a tsunami warning was temporarily issued for the central Pacific coast of Hokkaido.

(Disaster prevention broadcast) „A tsunami warning has been issued. Please evacuate to higher ground immediately.“

In Urakawa Town, where a 40-centimeter tsunami was observed, boats headed offshore one after another.

Residents also evacuated to shelters on higher ground.

With the „Late-Seismic Earthquake Advisory“ in effect, how is a local elementary school preparing?

„We instruct the children to hang their jackets on hangers, so that if something happens, they can quickly put on their jackets and evacuate,“ said the principal.

As a measure against heatstroke, children carry water bottles and are ready to evacuate at any time to a shelter about a 15-minute walk away.

Furthermore…

„The school building is three stories tall, so in an emergency, we are considering vertical evacuation. If there is time, we plan to evacuate to the shelter,“ the principal added.

Here is footage from the time of the earthquake in Hiroo Town, Tokachi, also on the Pacific coast.

At Tokachi Port in the town, a 30-centimeter tsunami was observed.

Following the „Late-Seismic Earthquake Advisory,“ the town continues measures such as calling for preparedness twice a day, at noon and night, via disaster prevention broadcasts.

„Since a late earthquake could possibly occur at night, we want to be ready for whenever it happens. We are keeping supplies near the shelters and aim to maintain a system that does not let down our guard as much as possible,“ said a local official.

In Hiroo Town, to enable quick shelter openings, supplies such as cardboard beds and tents have been kept near the shelters throughout this week.

Residents‘ awareness of preparedness also seems to be increasing.

„I have a safety bag ready by the entrance, and I keep shoes by my pillow so I can put them on and escape anytime,“ said a Hiroo Town resident.

„I am fully prepared only for power outages,“ said another resident.

The „Late-Seismic Earthquake Advisory“ has been issued for 63 municipalities in Hokkaido until the 27th.

It is important to be one step more cautious than usual in disaster preparedness.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, was historically known as Ezo and inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people before large-scale Japanese settlement began in the late 19th century. After the Meiji Restoration, the government actively developed the region, leading to the establishment of cities like Sapporo and a thriving agricultural and tourism industry. Today, Hokkaido is famous for its natural landscapes, ski resorts, and unique culture that blends Ainu heritage with modern Japanese influences.

Urakawa Town

Urakawa Town is located on the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Japan, and is known for its scenic coastline and fishing industry. Historically, it developed as a key port for shipping and fishing, particularly for salmon and seaweed, and was severely damaged by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Today, it has rebuilt its infrastructure and is also recognized as a site for horse breeding and the birthplace of the famous racehorse, Oguri Cap.

Tokachi

Tokachi is a region in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its expansive agricultural landscapes, dairy farming, and natural

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost main island, known for its stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, hot springs, and ski resorts. Historically, it was inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people before large-scale Japanese settlement began in the late 19th century during the Meiji era. Today, it is famous for its unique culture, agricultural products, and seasonal attractions like the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Urakawa Town

Urakawa Town, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is known as the birthplace of the modern horse-drawn carriage industry in the region and is famous for its horse breeding and equestrian culture. Historically, it developed as a key settlement during the Meiji era, with the introduction of Western-style agriculture and horse ranching. Today, it is also recognized for its connection to the indigenous Ainu culture and hosts the annual Urakawa Horse Festival.

Tokachi

Tokachi is a region in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, known for its expansive agricultural plains and natural beauty. Historically, it was settled extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with pioneers transforming the wilderness into productive farmland. Today, it is famous for dairy farming, potatoes, and its annual Tokachi Millennium Forest, which showcases sustainable landscape design.

Tokachi Port

Tokachi Port, located in Hiroo, Hokkaido, Japan, is a key fishing and trade hub along the Pacific coast. Historically, it developed in the early 20th century to support the region’s growing fishing industry, particularly for salmon and crab, and later expanded to handle agricultural exports. Today, it remains vital for local commerce and is known for its scenic coastal views and role in Hokkaido’s maritime economy.

Hiroo Town

Hiroo Town is a coastal municipality in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its scenic landscapes and agricultural heritage. Historically, it developed as a key fishing and farming community, with its modern identity shaped by post-war settlement and dairy farming. Today, it attracts visitors for its natural beauty, including the Hiroo Coast and local food products like cheese and seafood.

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