MFAT Media Update 6

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

4.45pm, 14 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.

• New Zealand’s USAR contingent will arrive in Japan today. The Government will consider further assistance to Japan over the coming days.

• MFAT advises against all tourist and non-essential travel to Tokyo due to disruptions to essential services such as transport and electricity, and also advises against tourist and non-essential travel to the earthquake and tsunami affected areas in the northeast. Please see www.safetravel.govt.nz for full details.

• 871 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.

• Embassy staff are providing a range of consular assistance to New Zealanders affected by the disaster. MFAT Consular staff are based at Narita International Airport in Tokyo and Sendai in the northeast to assist New Zealanders.

• New Zealanders in Japan who are concerned about their safety should contact the Embassy on +81 3 3467 2271 or MFAT crisis centre on +64 4 439 8000.

• All New Zealanders in Japan should monitor developments via media, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

• New Zealanders wishing to leave Japan should do so by commercial means.

• 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

• 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

• 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

ENDS

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