Japan is once again grappling with the devastating impact of powerful earthquakes across its islands. The nation’s vulnerability to seismic activity has reignited discussions about safety conditions for evacuees, particularly women and children, in the aftermath of such disasters.

During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, temporary shelters such as gymnasiums and auditoriums were opened to house displaced residents. However, these facilities often lacked basic privacy measures. Only blankets were distributed, with no partitions or protective barriers in place. Reports at the time highlighted serious concerns: women and young girls were left without safeguards against sexual violence.

With electricity supplies cut off, surveillance systems like CCTV were rendered useless. Rumors circulated of widespread assaults in evacuation centers, though many of these claims remained unverified. Additional speculation suggested that men from outside affected regions entered disaster zones and committed sexual violence against evacuees. While the accuracy of these reports has never been fully confirmed, the underlying issue remains clear: in the chaos following a megaton-scale earthquake, vulnerable groups—especially women and girls—face heightened risks of exploitation and abuse.

Given these concerns, HQtest Travel Safety News advises caution for international travelers. Families, particularly those traveling with daughters and wives, are strongly recommended to reconsider trips to Japan during periods when large-scale seismic activity is anticipated. Safety must remain the foremost priority when planning travel to regions prone to natural disasters.