MFAT Tsunami Update 23, 4pm 7 January

[Unclassified]

1 As of 4pm, the overall number of people on the MFAT database for the entire affected areas is 3748, of whom 3067 are confirmed alive and well.

2 The number of confirmed deaths is two (see previous update re June Kander who holds Canadian citizenship). Two remain in hospital. The number of those missing and for whom there are most serious concerns is four. A further 11 have been identified as warranting a concentrated effort to determine their whereabouts.

3 We have also had enquiries about 682 other people who may have been in the region. Our focus now is to identify from this group the categories of people for whom there is no particular concern, and those for whom we are intensifying our gathering of information about their recent travel.

4 Please note the tsunami travel advisory has been updated this afternoon with more detailed travel information and advice, see: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/travel/countries/tsunami.html

5 The Red Cross Call Centre (0800 733 276) is operating 8am to 5pm (including this weekend) and calls will switch to an answerphone after hours. The Ministry urges people who have heard from family members or friends that they are alive and well to advise the Red Cross Call Centre.

ENDS

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