Foreign residents in Tokushima Prefecture in western Japan have learned about a special advisory on a mega-quake and earthquake preparedness.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the special advisory on Thursday following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake off Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Japan.
The advisory is urging caution under what is known as the Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information protocol.
A volunteer disaster preparedness group in Tokushima City and the Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association organized a class on Saturday to teach foreign residents in the prefecture about the advisory and disaster preparedness.
About 20 foreign residents, mainly from Tokushima City, including Chinese and Americans attended.
Organizers explained in Japanese about the special mega-quake advisory using a flip chart.
They urged participants to check on their earthquake preparations.
They showed maps and illustrations to emphasize that people must head for higher ground immediately when a tsunami is coming.
A participant from India said that she had never experienced an earthquake and that she was surprised when the advisory was issued.
She added that the class was very helpful since she did not know what to do.
Another participant who is from the United States said that she was scared when the advisory was issued.
She said that she purchased bottled water and a flash light on the previous day.
After the class, some Awa Odori dancers performed ahead of Sunday’s festival opening.
The dance festival is very popular and attracts many spectators every year. This year it will be held through Thursday.