Evacuation Operations Begin for Nationals in Wuhan by the US and Other Countries

US charter flight takes off early on the 29th carrying about 240 people
Japan also evacuates about 200 people on the same day
Korea evacuates about 700 people via four flights on the 30th-31st

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Starting with the United States, countries including Japan and Europe have launched evacuation operations using charter flights to repatriate their nationals from Wuhan, China. Our government also plans to evacuate Koreans residing in Wuhan to Korea over a two-day schedule.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to foreign media reports on the 29th, the United States evacuated 240 of its nationals from Wuhan using a charter flight. The passengers included diplomats, their families, and citizens. They are expected to travel via Anchorage, Alaska, and then head to Ontario, California.

Flight tracking records indicate that the U.S. charter flight departed Wuhan Tianhe Airport at 4:54 AM that day. Passengers will undergo virus testing in Anchorage and then be quarantined for two weeks in Ontario.

Ontario Airport was chosen as the final destination because it has been trained to accommodate Americans arriving from overseas during emergencies.

Japan also plans to evacuate about 200 residents from Wuhan on the same day. According to Kyodo News, approximately 650 Japanese nationals residing in Wuhan have requested flights back to Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated in an interview with Japanese media, "We will continue to take all possible measures for Japanese nationals who wish to return to Japan."

The European Union (EU) also plans to evacuate its nationals this week using a French aircraft.

Countries around the world have been negotiating with the Chinese government to evacuate their nationals after China closed Wuhan to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia).

Meanwhile, South Korea plans to use Korean Air flights twice daily on the 30th and 31st to bring back its nationals residing in Wuhan. It is reported that about 700 Koreans in Wuhan wish to return home.