Tsunami Warning Issued as Liverpool Squad Prepares for Pre-Season Clash in Japan
The Liverpool squad has been placed on alert following a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia, triggering a tsunami warning for parts of Japan.
Arne Slot’s men arrived in Japan on Sunday after the first leg of their pre-season tour in Hong Kong, where they suffered a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan despite a standout performance from new signing Florian Wirtz.
The Reds are scheduled to face Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday as they continue preparations for the upcoming Premier League season. However, the fixture now faces uncertainty due to tsunami warnings issued along Japan’s Pacific coast.
Local reports confirm that tsunami waves, reaching up to 40cm in Hokkaido and 30cm along Japan’s northern coast, have already begun to arrive. While Yokohama — Liverpool’s current base — is over 850 miles from the quake’s epicenter and not expected to be heavily impacted, evacuation routes and shelters have been mapped out as a precaution.
Japan’s government has urged people in at-risk areas to “evacuate immediately to high ground or designated shelters,” emphasizing that waves may strike repeatedly.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that authorities are actively assessing the situation, assuring the public that “human lives will be prioritized” in any necessary response.
As of now, there are no reports of major damage, and Liverpool’s match remains scheduled to kick off at 11:30 a.m. UK time. Public transportation to the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama is still running as normal.
Featured Image Credit: Getty, TBS News