MFAT Media Update 3
Japan earthquake and tsunami
1150 am, 13 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

• Due to disruptions to essential services such as transport and electricity, MFAT is now advising against all non-essential travel to Tokyo, as well as advising against tourist and non-essential travel to the affected areas in the northeast. Please see www.safetravel.govt.nz for full details

• 828 New Zealanders are now registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as being in Japan.

• At this stage there are no reports of New Zealand casualties as a result of the earthquake or tsunami.

• 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

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

• 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

• A MFAT consular crisis centre has been operating since 9 pm Friday evening

• 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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