HK govt warns residents traveling to Japan to stay alert over megaquake warning

The SAR government on Monday warned residents traveling to Japan to stay alert, after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake had occurred off the southern island of Kyushu days ago, with the country issuing a warning about an increased risk of a "major earthquake" striking in the near future.

The advisory - one which had never been given before - was issued on Thursday night local time, telling people to be alert but not to evacuate. It stressed that the warning did not mean a large earthquake was imminent, but that the probability was higher than usual.

The SAR government reminded travelers visiting the country to stay alert and pay attention to Japanese authorities' latest announcements. Authorities will also closely monitor the situation there and issues updates through the media, the Security Bureau's mobile app, and the Amber Outbound Travel Alert webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).

It said Hong Kong residents in Japan who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the Immigration Department Mobile Application.

They can also send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit the Online Assistance Request Form, or contact the Chinese Embassy in Japan at consular protection hotline: +81-3-6450-2195.