Liverpool’s squad received a tsunami alert on Wednesday after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia.
Arne Slot’s team arrived in Japan on Sunday following the first leg of their pre-season tour in Hong Kong, where they were defeated 4-2 by AC Milan, although new signing Florian Wirtz stood out with a strong performance.
The Reds are scheduled to continue their pre-season preparations in Yokohama on Wednesday, but the match has come under uncertainty due to the tsunami warning issued in the aftermath of the quake.
The earthquake triggered evacuation orders for Japan’s Pacific coastal areas. Initial tsunami waves, reaching 30cm, have already hit the country’s northern coast. In Tokachi, Hokkaido — around 854 miles from Yokohama — waves up to 40cm have also been recorded.
A government advisory warned of potential damage from tsunami waves and urged residents in coastal and riverside areas to move to higher ground or designated evacuation buildings, stressing that multiple waves may follow and people should remain in safe areas until the warning is lifted.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed that the government is actively assessing the situation and emphasized that protecting human life remains the top priority. So far, there have been no reports of significant damage.
Despite the alert, Liverpool’s friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos is still scheduled for 11:30 a.m. UK time. Public transport to the Nissan Stadium remains operational. While Yokohama — situated on Japan’s western coast, just south of Tokyo — isn’t expected to face serious impact from the tsunami, the city has prepared evacuation routes and shelters as a precaution.
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