MFAT Media Update 14
Japan earthquake and tsunami
2:30pm, 19 March 2011

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to advise against all non-essential travel to Tokyo and northern Honshu due to the ongoing risk of disruptions to essential services such as transport, communications, electric power and other infrastructure and the supply of goods, and strong aftershocks.

New Zealanders currently in northern Honshu are advised to leave either to other parts of Japan or destinations outside the country unless their presence is essential. Authorities in that area are responding to a massive humanitarian disaster.

The New Zealand National Radiation Laboratory is providing regular updates to the Ministry and has advised that there is no radiation safety hazard in Tokyo at this time. New Zealanders currently in Tokyo are advised to take necessary precautions when travelling round the city due to transport network disruptions and utility outages. New Zealanders currently in Tokyo, who are facing disruption, should consider relocating to other parts of Japan or destinations outside the country.

The Ministry is keeping the situation in various parts of Japan under constant review. We frequently update our travel advice to ensure it is as clear and specific as possible. The current version can always be found at: www.safetravel.govt.nz.

Embassy staff in Tokyo have been working to assist New Zealanders leaving Japan, with additional Embassy representatives stationed at Narita airport. Commercial flights are operating normally. The embassy has also organised bus transport from Sendai to Tokyo, and staff have visited hospitals and evacuation centres.

The Ministry has confirmed the safety of 2162 New Zealanders in Japan, and we encourage any New Zealanders in Japan to register via www.safetravel.govt.nz.
• New Zealanders in Japan who are concerned about their safety should contact the Embassy on +81 3 3467 2271 or via www.nzembassy.com/japan, or the MFAT crisis centre on +64 4 439 8000.
• New Zealanders who are unable to contact family in the northeast of Japan should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on: 0800 432 111; If calling from overseas call +64 4 439 8000

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