Something deeply tragic has happened again.
More than 150 people have died in the coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris 12. May they rest in peace.
U.S. President Obama issued a statement saying, “This is not just an attack on Paris and the people of France, but an attack on all humanity and the universal values we share: liberty, equality, and fraternity” [2], while national leaders around the world have issued statements one after another 3. At One World Trade Center, built on the site of the 911 terrorist attacks, the antenna has been illuminated in the colors of the French tricolor as a call for solidarity. Will Tokyo Skytree do the same tonight…? 4
https://twitter.com/jonswaine/status/665335444758994944/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
A nationwide state of emergency is currently in effect in France. There may still be accomplices to the attacks, and Paris is reportedly under a nighttime curfew.
Japanese television appears to be proceeding largely as usual, while U.S. television has apparently shifted to emergency coverage and even suspended commercials. Terrorism could happen not only in Paris but in New York or Tokyo as soon as tomorrow. As a posture of vigilance, the American response seems more appropriate.
I would like to share here what I learned during the attempted coup in Kenya in 1982. It may prove useful someday 5
- Do not approach windows. (Police or military personnel may mistake you for a terrorist or insurgent and shoot you.)
- Do not try to photograph outside with a camera. (You may be mistaken for someone aiming through a scope and shot.)
- Do not go anywhere visible through a window. (You may be struck by a stray bullet.)
- Choose your location with the possible paths of ricochets in mind.
- If a firefight may occur, immediately lie flat. (Especially when friendly forces enter.)
- Even if a vehicle resembling one belonging to an acquaintance arrives, its occupants may be someone else. Unless you are certain, do not open the gate or door.
- Obtain information from reliable sources.
The following measures also apparently apply if a terrorist attack occurs outdoors.
There are reports that a great deal of false information is circulating. The French police have also asked people to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information.
Official information is available from https://mobile.twitter.com/PNationale.
Footnotes
- TBS, “Coordinated Terrorist Attacks in Paris: Series of Shootings and Explosions Kill More Than 150” (2015/11/14 10:09) http://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye2635540.html
- CNN, “Shootings and Explosions in Paris Kill 153 at Theater, Soccer Stadium, and Elsewhere” (2015/11/14 10:36) http://www.cnn.co.jp/world/35073496.html
- Asahi Shimbun, “World Leaders Issue Successive Statements of Condemnation and Express Solidarity Following Coordinated Paris Attacks” (2015/11/14 11:26) http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASHCG34Z1HCGUHBI013.html
- It did, one day later.
- I wish crisis-management experts would provide more detailed information on television and elsewhere….
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