Nuclear Emergency In Japan
Authorities in Japan have declared a nuclear emergency following the loss of power to ten nuclear reactor units in three separate nuclear power plants (Onagawa, Fukushima Daiichi and Fukiushima Daini). The cooling systems at both Daiichi and Daini experienced problems. Daiichi experienced explosions in three units (Nos. 1, 2 and 3) and a fire has occurred at another unit (No. 4).
The loss of power and explosions followed a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, which occurred in the Pacific Ocean east of Japan’s island of Honshu on March 11, 2011. There are ongoing aftershocks.
The Japanese Government is working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is taking extreme efforts to manage the radiation event.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers monitor the updated situation reports about the event posted by the Japanese government and the Western Pacific Regions of the World Health Organization.
For more information on Japan and travel security, visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website.