"Something Feels Off": After the UK, Now Japan... Expert Issues Chilling Warning Amid Back-to-Back Emergency Preparedness Advisories

UK government recommends 72 hours' worth of water, food, and other supplies
In preparation for Russian cyberattacks and extreme weather events

Japan also plans to ask the public to prepare for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
By stockpiling at least three days' worth of food and water

"If circumstances allow, prepare at least two weeks' worth," says UCL professor

The UK government has advised the public to secure at least three days' worth of emergency supplies in preparation for national crises, including Russian cyberattacks and major natural disasters. However, a disaster expert has recommended preparing at least two weeks' worth of food and essential supplies, warning that the government's advice alone may not be enough to cope with disasters that last for an extended period.

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On October 31 (local time), the UK's Daily Mail reported this in an interview with Professor Ilan Kelman, a disaster and climate expert at University College London (UCL).

"If their financial circumstances allow, it is much better for each household to stockpile at least two weeks' worth of supplies than to prepare for just three days," Professor Kelman said. "This would help them cope with a wider range of emergencies and enable them to help people around them."

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The recommendation is related to the UK government's "Be Ready" emergency preparedness campaign, which began on October 22. The government has advised the public to prepare 72 hours' worth of emergency supplies in case power, telecommunications, transport, and payment systems are disrupted by cyberattacks from hostile states such as Russia, sabotage targeting critical infrastructure, or extreme weather events.

The recommended items include three liters of drinking water per person per day, long-lasting food such as canned and dried goods, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, spare batteries, and an emergency radio. The government has also advised people to keep cash on hand in case electronic payment systems stop working.

The Japanese government has also said it plans to ask the entire population to stockpile at least three days' worth of food and water in preparation for major earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. According to FNN, an affiliate of Fuji Television, on October 27, Minister in Charge of Disaster Management Koshi Hosono plans to issue an "urgent request" calling on central government agencies, all prefectures, and the public to strengthen disaster preparedness, in conjunction with the launch of the Disaster Management Agency on November 2.

"Please prepare at least three days' worth of supplies, or a week's worth if possible. Keep food, water, and portable toilets at home so that you can live there even without public assistance from the government," Minister Hosono said.

However, Professor Kelman noted that it could take more than three days for government and relief agency assistance to arrive in the event of a major power outage or a disruption to supply chains. He also identified as a concern the fact that many households may find it difficult to secure enough supplies because of their financial circumstances.

"Rather than having every household buy supplies all at once, it is more practical to gradually build up your stockpile by adding a few of the items you need during your regular shopping trips," he advised.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.