Japan wakes to missile warnings
TOKYO: Millions of Japanese awoke to ominous text messages Tuesday warning them to take cover as a North Korean missile flew overhead, with one train operator bluntly explaining its halted service as “Reason: Ballistic missile launch.”
Sirens blared out in northern communities that were on the flight path of the ballistic missile as it soared over Japanese territory for two minutes before crashing into the Pacific.
North Korea’s launch towards neighbouring Japan marked a major escalation by Pyongyang amid tensions over its weapons ambitions.
Commuters in northernmost Hokkaido were greeted by warning signs at train stations -- bringing many rail services to a halt.
At one metro station in Sapporo, a major city of nearly two million, passengers were warned there would be delays.
“All lines are experiencing disruption,” said one sign. “Reason: Ballistic missile launch.”
Commuters took the government messages to heart.
Others had little choice but to carry on with their usual schedule, including the crews aboard some 15 fishing vessels that had already left port off southern Hokkaido in an area under the missile’s path.
A short time ago, a missile apparently passed above this area. If you find suspicious objects, please don’t go near them and immediately call police or firefighters. Please take cover in secure buildings or underground. OFFICIAL TEXT MESSAGE