Thais in Japan told to stay indoors, prepare for evacuation
Thai citizens residing in the Kansai, Kanto and Tokai regions have been instructed to refrain from going outdoors and travelling to avoid the impacts of Typhoon Hagibis, which is currently affecting more than 480,000 households, Cabinet spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Saturday (October 12).
“Thai government is monitoring the Hagibis situation closely,” said Narumon. “Today at 9.50 (Japan time), the Thai Embassy in Tokyo reported that the outer edge of the typhoon rim has already hit Tokyo and the Tokai region (Izu Peninsula), causing heavy rains and widespread blackouts, affecting more than 480,000 households.”
“There are also reports of damage to houses in Chiba Prefecture,” she added.
According to the Embassy, the Japanese government has started evacuating people from Tokyo’s suburban areas including Hachioji and Sagamihara. “They also asked people to refrain from going outdoors and prepare for the evacuation of the elderly, the disabled and children in case of emergency,” said Narumon. “The Tokyo Metro will also stop running on 1pm today.”
The government therefore advises Thai citizens residing in Kansai, Kanto and Tokai regions to follow local announcements closely and stand by for evacuation to the nearest shelters. “Please also refrain from going outdoors or near piers, as well as travelling,” she added.