| Dear Partner, Over the last few days, unusually severe rainstorms have caused significant flooding in Gifu and Hiroshima Prefectures and surrounding areas of southern Honshu Island. Some 5.9 million people have been ordered to evacuate temporarily across 19 prefectures, mainly in the countryside close to rivers and mountainous areas, which are at risk for flooding and landslides. 17 railroad lines had suspended services on 56 routes, creating logistical hurdles for anyone needing to get across these prefectures. This situation has had a direct impact on our travelers on the ground in the regions concerned. Any client affected was contacted by our team in Japan to let them know about changes to programs. We also negotiated with suppliers to minimise inconveniences and avoid costs as much as possible. For the most part, many of the routes are either back online already or will be within the week, though: - Tokyo-Kansai region-Hiroshima: the bullet train is back to operating normally.
- Tokyo-Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa: local JR lines partially suspended so we arranged alternative bus transportation.
- Takayama-Nagoya: JR line is still suspended. Bus suspended as well for now. Clients to take bus back to Tokyo and take Shinkansen or regular train to their destination.
- Hiroshima - Miyajimaguchi: JR line is back online.
Here is how our team proceeds in such cases: - Contact every client to verify their safety, and explain the situation.
- Offer options for their travel plans and ascertain their preferences going forward.
- Cancel, rebook and reroute their itineraries.
- Call and update clients and provide updated itineraries.
- Inform agents of changes with agreement of client.
- Be on call with our 24-hour number for clients on the ground who need extra reassurances or support.
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