This is a follow up to a post I made earlier today about evacuation notices:

This is a follow up to a post I made earlier today about evacuation notices:

https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/5392672060806182

First of all, as you can see in the following image of a Google translation of the Yahoo page, the number of communities labeled “evacuation instructions” has increased. By the way, “evacuation instructions” is the translation of “hinan shiji” (避難指示) which I think is closer to “evacuation order” because it means “do this,” not “this is how you do it.” (As far as I know, however, it is not a legally binding “order.”)

To get a better idea about what you need to do in your particular location, you may want to click on your community name and read the fine print. For example, I live in Kumamoto City and my part of town is in red (高齢者等避難; the elderly and others with special needs should evacuate). However, if you click on the link and read the explanation you’ll find that it only applies to people who live close to a steep incline or cliff, etc. In other words, even if you are in the designated category of people, you might not be in a place where you were actually advised to evacuate. On the other hand, some areas are asking everyone to evacuate.

My advice is threefold: 1) if at all possible, check with people who live near you to see how they are interpreting the evacuation orders; 2) read the details on the Yahoo page to see if the order only applies to people whose home are in particularly vulnerable locations or if it applies to everyone; and 3) when in doubt, evacuate. Better safe than sorry.

Also, note that if you click on the community name in the Yahoo! page linked to above you can find a link to a map showing evacuation sites.

Stay safe!

– Kirk