Nuclear scare: Over 1,000 Japanese disembark daily in Manila

Following a series of explosions at the Fukushima nuclear power plant last week, authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals have reported the increase in the arrivals of more than 1,000 Japanese citizens everyday.

In a report by the Philippine Star, the said increase in disembarkations came from various flights from Japan after their government raised the alert level to 5. Click here to see INES Alert Level Systems.

At magnitude 9.0, it was the most powerful quake ever to hit the country and was followed by gigantic tsunami waves killing at least 8,133 with 12,272 missing as of Sunday, according to The Japan Times.

Unfortunately, NAIA doctors do not have the equipments to detect radiation levels at points of entry.

"The only thing we can do at the moment is to refer them to the Department of Science and Technology or the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute which have the facility," human quarantine doctor Vicenta Vasquez said.

Airport authorities said there is no risk the Philippines is being affected by the release of radioactive materials. Visit this link for information if you need to have post-radiation exposure treatment.

The Russian authorities who have been monitoring the situation in Fukushima said that the situation is not getting worse, in a report by Ria Novosti.

"Technique proved to be even more reliable than might be expected. It has passed," Russian state-controlled nuclear corporation Rosatom head Sergei Kiriyenko told Russia 24 TV-channel.

Below is a public service from the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo that was shared through email by my friend Susan P. Fujita in Sapporo.

ADVISORY

As of 19 March 2011, 10 am

The Japanese government has maintained the same 20-kilometer radius (for evacuation) and between 20-30 kilometer radius (to stay indoors) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant as previously announced. Those in the affected areas are advised to closely follow the instructions measures of the local government authorities and civil defense authorities.

Filipinos are advised to closely monitor the developments in Fukushima and other incidents such as earthquakes and tsunamis. For Filipinos in the affected areas, you may contact the Philippine Embassy for assistance in voluntary relocation.

In their latest briefing on 18 March 2011 (14:00 UTC or 11:00 PM Japan time), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in cooperation with the Japanese government, has begun receiving and monitoring regularly the radiation levels in 47 Japanese cities.

In its first sampling and monitoring, IAEA said that “the radiation levels in Tokyo and other cities remain far from levels which would require action--in other words they are not dangerous to human health.” A second sampling will be carried out very soon.

Japanese authorities have made public information on Environmental Radiation Measurement Results in each of the prefectures of Japan, together with a diagram entitled, “Radiation Exposure in Daily Life” which describes relative doses from radiation sources. These may be accessed at:

http://eq.yahoo.co.jp (Japanese)
http://eq.sakura.ne.jp (English, Japanese)
http://eq.wide.ad.jp (English, Japanese)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/incidents/index.html (English)

However, Filipino nationals who are concerned about ongoing developments may wish to voluntarily depart from Japan are urged to do so.

Please bear in mind that that Narita Airport is now full of people wishing to depart and you may try to use other airports or seaports.

Mr. Hans Mohaimin L. SIRIBAN
Third Secretary and Vice Consul
Political Section
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537
http://tokyo.philembassy.net