TOKYO, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Japan is drawing up contingency plans to deal with an influx of North Korean refugees caused by a military emergency or civil anarchy.
Japanese government officials estimate an emergency could lead to an exodus of as many as 150,000 "boat people," who would overtax Japan's social services, the Asahi Shimbun quoted unidentified officials Saturday.
The figure, the first released, is the product of a study by a special task force of the Cabinet Security Council. The group studied North Korea's eastern shoreline ports, vessels available and other factors.
They estimated refugees heading to Japan would likely try to enter the country through the Kyushu and Chugoku regions, where Japan could currently accommodate "several tens of thousands."
The study reportedly suggested that in the event of a massive exodus from North Korea, Japan relocate to third countries some of those who reach the country.
South Korean officials estimate between 2 million and 4 million North Koreans would seek sanctuary abroad as a result of military conflict, regime collapse or a catastrophic disaster leading to anarchy.
