Yellow Dust from China Affects All of Japan
NHK Urges "Caution... Impact on Transportation"
It has been confirmed that yellow dust originating from China has covered not only Korea but also Japan. As the fine dust levels soared unusually, Japanese media also gave it extensive coverage.
Japan's NHK broadcast reported on the 12th (local time), citing data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, that "from the 12th to the 13th, yellow dust is expected to flow in over a wide area from northern to western Japan."
According to the Meteorological Agency, the yellow dust will reach northern Japan and the Sea of Japan coast in western Japan on the morning of that day and is expected to spread to almost all areas bordering the Sea of Japan by afternoon. Yellow dust was actually observed in the southern Kyushu Island and northern Chugoku region. The yellow dust is expected to move out to the eastern sea of Japan only by the 14th.
The Meteorological Agency warned that due to the influx of yellow dust, the visible distance with the naked eye is limited to about 5 km, raising concerns about potential impacts on transportation and urged caution.
Yellow dust originating from China usually occurs in northeastern regions such as the Gobi Desert and the Inner Mongolian Plateau. Accordingly, it affects the Korean Peninsula, but it is rare for yellow dust to be observed as far as Japan.
Even in March 2019, when fine dust was severe, the air quality in China and the Korean Peninsula deteriorated sharply, but the Kyushu region, only about 200 km from Busan, recorded relatively comfortable fine dust levels.
In fact, according to NHK, this is the first time since March 5 of last year that yellow dust has been observed across various parts of Japan. NHK advised, "If you dry laundry outdoors, foreign substances may stick to it," and added, "There may also be impacts on transportation, so caution is necessary."
Kindergartens and other childcare institutions are also rushing to respond to the yellow dust. A kindergarten in Nagasaki Prefecture decided to restrict outdoor activities for children during the period when Japan is under the influence of yellow dust. The kindergarten told NHK, "After confirming the yellow dust emergency situation on the morning news, we decided on this measure," and added, "We regret that the children cannot enjoy the outdoor activities they were looking forward to."
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