Free translation for non-Japanese speakers
A free translation service has been set up for non-Japanese speakers, on 050 5814 7230 and 03 5366 6001. English, Chinese, Korean are available 24 hours a day. Portuguese and Spanish between 9am-8pm. Please note that this isn’t an emergency information service.
Train lines
As of 12pm, Sunday, the following lines still aren’t running…
Shinkansen: Akita, Tohoku, Yamagata lines.
JR: Karasuyama, Kashima, Mito, Narita (between Abiko and Narita), Nikko, Suigun, Utsunomiya (between Utsunomiya and Kuroiso) lines, most limited express services.
Regular or reduced service has resumed on all other lines in the Tokyo area.
Emergency numbers
Emergency messaging service
If you’re stranded and you need to leave someone a message, dial 171, then 1, then your own home phone number, then leave your message. To pick up a message, it’s 171, then 2, then your home phone number (the number you think the stranded person would have left).
The numbers to call for Sendai-based foreigners: 022 265 2471 or 022 224 1919.
NHK TV messaging service
If you want to send a message to someone in the affected areas where all phone lines are down, NHK will broadcast your message on their TV service. The numbers on which to place your message are 03 5452 8800, or 050 3369 9680.
Tokyo Gas
If you’re still having trouble with your gas supply, call Tokyo Gas on 0570 002211 (03 5722 0111 from mobile phones). The company has English-language guides available for download here : http://www.tokyo-gas.co.jp/foreign/english/userguide/anzen/yobou/index.html
Google people finder
Google has started a Person Finder service – http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en – , in case you’re fearful for loved ones.
Facebook have a quake page for Japan-based foreigners —) http://www.facebook.com/FacebookJapan#!/FacebookJapan
Earthquake apps —-) http://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id425650996?mt=8
As the aftershocks continue, you can keep abreast of upcoming tremors with a free iPhone app courtesy of Softbank.
Public shelters open to Tokyoites this evening
With public transport entirely disrupted across the city (JR has announced there will be no more services this evening), the following public spaces have been made available to stranded Tokyoites:
In Tokyo:
Unicef House has limited space available (Takanawa);
Westin Hotel lobby (Ebisu);
Answr & Public/Image.3D(Ikejiri/Mishuku area);
Aoyama Oath, Shibuya;
Dommune club (50 people max);
Eiji Press (Ebisu) is offering toilet, telephone, internet;
Yotsuya Sophia University;
Hiroo University of the Sacred Heart;
Roppongi Butagumi Shabu Ann (the owner is handing out curry and onigiri for free);
Sasazuka Bowl; Seikei University (Kichijoji & Mitaka area);
Waseda University (Building 8, Waseda Campus,
Takadanobaba) Shinjuku Bunka Fukuso Gakuin (NOW FULL);
Ueno Tokyo Bunka Kaikan;
Takashimaya Times Square Shinjuku (NOW FULL);
Tsukiji Honganji;
Shinbashi Daiichi Hotel lobby;
Ikebukuro Rikkyo University;
Shinagawa Prince Hotel lobby;
Shibuya & Omotesando Aoyama Gakuin University gymnasium
In Yokohama: Fifth floor of Landmark Plaza building
In Saitama: Saitama Super Arena
Free drinks and phone charging services
Suntory vending machines have emergency levers beneath a sticker on the upper-right corners. Pull the sticker off, pull the lever firmly and you’ll get free drinks.
Elsewhere, Bic Camera is offering a free phone charging service at all their stores.
Source : TimeOut – http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/feature/2530/Japan-earthquake-live-report
The British Embassy highlights 5 top tips that people might find useful to stay your safest during the Big One:
Pack a ‘Grab Bag’
This bag of essential provisions should be kept somewhere convenient and in easy reach. Key items to pack include water, food, seasonal clothing, a first aid kit and copies of important documents like passports and ID cards.
Make a note of key phone numbers
In the Tokyo metro area this includes the police (110), fire & ambulance services (119), British Embassy (03 5211 1100), or British Consulate-General in Osaka (06 6120 5600).
Familiarise yourself with your local evacuation area
In addition to knowing how to get around your own neighbourhood, grab a map and be sure that you know your route home from work on foot. You can also check whether your local ward office is running any activities to help you familiarise yourself with local evacuation procedures.
Read through the online guidance
The British Embassy website (ukinjapan.fco.gov.uk/en/) is a veritable treasure trove of information, including what to do during and after an earthquake.
For further information, visit the British Embassy’s natural disasters pages (ukinjapan.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-japan/preparing-for-emergencies) to learn how to prepare for an emergency.
More information here: Surviving
Tags: earthquake, embassy, help, translation, translators
