Japan suffers fresh quake

On April 7, 2011 at 11:32pm Japan time, the ravaged northeastern coast of Japan experienced a magnitude 7.4 aftershock, the first major quake in the three weeks since Japan's most devasting disaster in decades. This is the biggest aftershock since the March 11 earthquake. Immediately after, a tsunami alert was issued. According to TEPCO, there has been no changes in radiation levels around the nuclear plants. No trouble has been reported at the plants. Power has been lost in some areas and some injuries have been reported. As of 12:55am Japan time (11:55am EST), all tsunami alerts and advisories have been lifted. For the full story from CNN, click here.

Support for Japan

As you may recall, we had a campaign to raise money for the American Red Cross for earthquake relief in Japan. Sand & C Travel said that we would match up to a total of $500 contributions that we received. Well, I am thrilled to announce that through the generosity of our staff, clients and suppliers we raised $1777.00! Although we agreed to match up to $500.00, we have raised our donation to $600.00 due to exceeding our goals for a total donation of $2377.00! We are truly thrilled with these results. Thank you to all who donated!!!!

We are following the terrible news that has been coming out of Japan over the last few days. The loss of life and destruction is tragic, and the potenital radiation leaks is truly frightening. For Cathy and I, this tragedy hits home, as we are concerned about her cousin who lives in Tokyo with his wife and children.

In order to support the humanitarian efforts that are taking place, we are starting a drive to support the Red Cross' efforts in Japan. For every dollar that we raise, Sand & C Travel will match the donations up to a total of $500.00. If you would like to help out, please send us a tax deductable check, made payable to the American Red Cross by the end of this week. You can either drop it off or mail it to our office, and then we will forward it to the Red Cross. Please mail the check payable to the American Red Cross to:

Sand & C Travel

Attn: Donations to Red Cross

9851 S. Military Trail

Suite F

Boynton Beach, FL 33436

We appreciate your support in this effort.

Travel Alert: Japan

Japan Travel Update: Airlines Concessions, State Department Alert and Reminder for Travelers to Register at STEP

On March 13, the Department of State issued a travel alert for Japan because of issues related to the recent earthquake in Japan. The alert requests that all non-emergency official U.S. government personnel defer travel to Japan and urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Japan. The alert notes that temporary shortages of water and food supply may occur in affected areas due to power and transportation disruptions.

Most airlines have indicated that they have resumed normal schedules to and from Japan and are offering limited concessions for travelers needing to modify their plans. According to the State Department, all airports are operating except Sendai, Sado, Iwate-Hanamaki, and Misawa Airports. Travelers, however, should be made aware that rolling power outages are scheduled for the Tokyo Metropolitan area and in northern and central Honshu, which may result in flight delays at some airports. In addition, these outages may cause disruptions of public transportation to/from airports. Travelers are, therefore, encouraged to plan accordingly and check their flight status frequently prior to traveling.

Travelers currently in Japan and those anticipating travel to/from Japan are encouraged to periodically review the State Department’s website for up-to-date conditions. In addition, travel agents should encourage all international travelers to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to make it easier for the Embassy/Consulate to communicate with travelers when unanticipated events occur.