Japan tells people to stock up on toilet paper in case of earthquake
The government says there will be a toilet paper shortage crisis for about a month if the area is hit by an imminent Tokai mega-quake
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A public information campaign was launched yesterday to persuade people to stockpile toilet paper in case of emergency.
The government and paper companies kicked off “Let’s stockpile toilet paper!” to mark Disaster Prevention Day, warning of a possible crisis because nearly half of the supply comes from one of Japan’s most earthquake-prone areas. Officials said people think of food and water as emergency supplies, but forget toilet paper.
Forty-one per cent of the country's toilet paper supply comes from Shizuoka, in central Japan, one of the country's most earthquake-prone areas.
The government says there will be a toilet paper shortage crisis for about a month if the area is hit by an imminent Tokai mega-quake, a lesson learned from the deadly March 2011 disasters in northern Japan.
Lack of toilet paper could even cause further discomfort when people start using tissue paper, which is not water soluble and could clog up toilets.
Japan takes disaster preparedness serious, and even more so since three years ago, when about 19,000 people were killed in the tsunami-hit northern coast.
Hundreds of thousands of Japanese take part in an annual drill every September 1 - the anniversary of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake in Tokyo that killed more than 140,000 people. Led by the prime minister, the exercise also involves the military and civilians.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments