MFA Spokesman's comments in response to media queries for an update on the situation in Japan

In response to media queries for an update on the situation in Japan, the MFA Spokesman said:

"We continue to advise against all non-essential travel to Japan.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant problems in Japan, we have been advising our nationals in or around the affected areas to move to safer locations. The Singapore Embassy in Tokyo has made arrangements for Singaporeans living within the radius of 80 to 100 km from the nuclear power plant to leave for safer locations today. However, 20 Singaporeans in Sendai (approximately 90km from Fukushima) have indicated to our mission that they wish to stay behind. Our Embassy will continue to stay in touch with them.

We know that the Japanese Government is doing its utmost to respond to this evolving and very difficult situation. Singaporeans in Japan should pay close attention to and heed instructions from the Japanese Government.

In view of the situation, we strongly recommend that:

· Singaporeans currently in Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures should evacuate the area with immediate effect.

· Singaporeans in prefectures neighbouring Fukushima, such as Yamagata, and Niigata, as well as in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, Gunma, Ibaraki, Tochigi), should consider leaving if they have no pressing reasons to remain there.

The Singapore Embassy in Tokyo has been assisting Singaporeans who wished to leave Japan with travel arrangements, immigration or visa-related issues, and in some urgent cases, helped arrange local transportation. We are working closely with Singapore Airlines to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for Singaporeans wishing to return to Singapore, including the possibility of mounting extra flights. Consular Teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Singapore Embassy in Tokyo are stationed at Narita and Haneda Airports and will render the necessary consular assistance to Singaporeans who decide to return to Singapore.

Singaporeans wishing to return home or travel to a third country may also wish to consider commercial flights from the Kansai International Airport in Osaka, the Central Japan International Airport in Nagoya, and the Fukuoka International Airport in Fukuoka. They should closely monitor the situation and follow instructions from their local authorities.

In case of doubt or should they require any consular assistance, Singaporeans should contact the Singapore Embassy in Tokyo or the MFA Duty Officer (24hrs) at:

Singapore Embassy in Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 3586-1824
+81 3 3586-5617
+81 3 3586-9175
+81 90 3208 4122
+81 90 2435 5543
Email: singemb_tyo@sgmfa.gov.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tel: +65 6379 8800, +65 6379 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
17 MARCH 2011