UTC says two students are studying abroad in Japan, but in Tokyo. Tokyo is roughly seven hours away from Japan’s western coast, where a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit.
“As long as I know, as of this moment they are safe and sound. I’m sure they felt a shake as bad as it happened in Ishikawa, that region,” said UTC Center for Global Education Executive Director Takeo Suzuki.
The university also has another student studying here from Japan. Fortunately, they have been able to check in on their relatives.
“We do have a student from Japan on campus, but their family is okay,” said Suzuki.
Suzuki says the university works with the U.S. Embassy to ensure the safety of students studying abroad.
“If something happens, we know how to evacuate them out of the country.”
As an earthquake survivor himself, Suzuki hopes others take this as a reminder to prepare for natural disasters.
“It’s a good time for people in Chattanooga to talk about their family’s response to disaster and expecting a natural disaster, because I don’t know how much I was ready when we got a tornado last time.”
The American Red Cross is aiding this disaster. You can find more information on how to help here.