[UNCLASSIFIED]
MFAT Media Update 4
Japan earthquake and tsunami
7.30 pm, 13 March 2011

• A major 8.8 earthquake struck northern Japan at 6.46 pm (NZT) on Friday
• The earthquake has generated a significant tsunami event which has impacted on northeast Japan
• Due to disruptions to essential services such as transport and electricity, MFAT is now advising against all non-essential travel to Tokyo , as well as advising against tourist and non-essential travel to the affected areas in the northeast. Please see www.safetravel.govt.nz for full details
• 818 New Zealanders are now registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as being in Japan
• There are no reports of New Zealand casualties or injuries
• MFAT staff in Wellington and Japan are making on-going efforts to contact a small number of New Zealanders in the affected areas to determine their whereabouts and safety
• MFAT Consular staff are enroute to Narita International Airport in Tokyo and Sendai in the northeast to assist New Zealanders affected by the disaster
• All New Zealanders in Japan should monitor developments via media, and follow the instructions of local authorities
• New Zealanders with concerns about family in Japan should try to contact them directly in the first instance
• If you cannot make contact and they are known to be in the northeast of Japan please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on: 0800 432 111; If calling from overseas call +64 4 439 8000
• New Zealanders in Japan are asked to register their details on www.safetravel.govt.nz
• A MFAT consular crisis centre has been operating since 9 pm Friday evening
• The latest statements from the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister are available at www.beehive.govt.nz and MFAT's travel advice is available at www.safetravel.govt.nz

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