Japan names evacuation locations, mainly in Kyushu, for Okinawa residents in case of unforeseen events in Taiwan

The government has designated prefectures, mainly in the Kyushu region, as planned shelters for residents of five municipalities of the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture in the event of an unforeseen event in Taiwan. The evacuation locations, presented for the first time, were announced at the Kyushu Governors Association meeting held in Kumamoto on Monday.

Ishigaki residents will seek shelter in Fukuoka, Yamaguchi and Oita prefectures; those in Miyakojima go to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures; those in Yonaguni go to Saga Prefecture; those in Taketomi go to Nagasaki Prefecture; and those in Tarama go to Kumamoto Prefecture.

Host country prefectures anticipate a first month of the evacuation period and will come up with the necessary administrative and coordination matters, such as transporting evacuees and securing food and drinking water, as well as allocating evacuation facilities.

The central government will bear the full costs of the evacuation, but the host prefectures will be responsible for practical matters. The host prefectures will present an initial plan by the end of this budget year.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, who attended the meeting online, said at a news conference: “We will work with the prefectures to promote the protection of the public.”