Travel security alert to Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

Given the situation of another earthquake occurred at daybreak in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Consulate General of China in Fukuoka issued a travel security alert to Chinese citizens. Following is the translated version of the full text: “(The alert is valid until 16th May, 2016) Aftershocks continued after a 6.5 scale earthquake occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture on the evening of the 14th of April. At daybreak of the 16th, another 7.3 scale earthquake occurred which was strongly felt in various areas involving Oita, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and other large areas of Kyushu. At the moment, the Kyushu Shinkansen Line is suspended, some highways are closed, and water and electricity supplies are interrupted in some areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Consulate General of China in Fukuoka alert Chinese citizens to cautiously consider their travel plans to Kyushu area and not to travel to Kumamoto Prefecture. In case of emergency, they should contact immediately the police. Consulate General of China in Fukuoka, 24 hours duty officer phone: 090-6298-9986; Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour hotline: +86 10 12308, +86-10-59913991.” The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep monitoring the latest developments and alerts Macao residents to cautiously consider their travel plans to Kyushu area and not to travel to Kumamoto Prefecture. From the information gathered through the Macao travel industry, currently there are 2 Macao tour groups with approximately 45 people in Fukuoka, and there is no indication that their security have been affected. A Macao tour group of approximately 25 people with supposed departure to Fukuoka on the 18th of April will be cancelled. Until the present moment, GGCT received 6 (six) requests for information regarding flight arrangements to speed up their return to Macau and 7 (seven) requests for normal information. If necessary, Macao residents can call: 24-hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000; The Chinese Embassy and consulates or the Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour hotline: +86 10 12308 for assistance.