MFAT Tsunami Update 3 At 1630 28 December

1 The Red Cross have now set up a 16-person call centre, working round the clock. People seeking information about relatives or with information about those who have since been in touch should call the centre on 0800 733 276 (0 800 RED CROSS). If calling from overseas, please call +644 495 8111.

2 The MFAT Call Centre number is still operational for the present (0800 432 111)

3 At this stage we are not aware of any further New Zealand deaths or injuries but information is still being assembled.

4 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff, together with the Police Liaison Officer from Bangkok are in Phuket and working their way around the various centres near Phuket. They report that the Phuket town centre itself shows little evidence of destruction, but water and sewerage in the resort areas have been destroyed. The Thai authorities have established a small suite of internet booths for the public and the group of foreign officials now in Phuket.

5 Landline and cellphone communications from Phuket are difficult, even between there and Bangkok.

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