Japan: Earthquake
Posted: 15 March 2011, 18:45 NZDT
On 11 March at 6.46pm NZ time a 9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the north east coast of Japan. Some coastal areas have been affected by a tsunami.

Authorities have confirmed a large number of deaths and injuries. Strong aftershocks are continuing. Flight schedules to and from Japan may be disrupted. Communications have been affected so you may have difficulties contacting family in Japan.

We are monitoring the situation at the Fukushima nuclear power facilities. In the interests of public safety Japanese authorities have evacuated residents around a 20km radius from the site. New Zealanders in Japan should follow this advice and not travel to the area surrounding the power plant.

New Zealanders should also follow the advice being given by Japanese authorities to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed and not use ventilation if you are between 20km and 30km from the facility. Information on the status of the nuclear facilities in Fukushima can be found on the website of Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) In addition to the official information above we advise people to consult the assessments of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Tokyo Electric Power Company has advised there will be rolling blackouts in Tokyo and surrounding areas beginning 14 March. Disruptions to transport are continuing and there is heavy demand on train and bus transport to Narita airport. Transport out of Tokyo to the affected area (Tohoku) is slowly resuming.

New Zealanders are advised to follow all instructions issued by the Japanese authorities and to monitor local media for latest information.

New Zealanders who wish to leave Japan should contact their airline operator to check details of flight times. An Embassy consular officer is based at Narita airport to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders.

New Zealanders are advised against all tourist and other non essential travel to prefectures in Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami and all tourist and non-essential travel to Tokyo. New Zealanders intending to travel to other parts of Japan are asked to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on www.safetravel.govt.nz.
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 north east of Japan, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on: 0800 432 111 0800 432 111 .
New Zealanders are advised against all tourist and other non essential travel to prefectures in Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami including Tokyo. New Zealanders intending to travel to other parts of Japan are asked to email the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on cons@mfat.govt.nz to advise them of their wellbeing.

If calling from overseas call +64 4 439 8000 +64 4 439 8000 .
• See the Japan travel advisory.
• Register/update your travel details

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