[UNCLASSIFIED]
MFAT Media Update 5
Japan earthquake and tsunami
11.35 am, 14 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
• New Zealand’s USAR contingent will arrive in Japan today. The government will consider further assistance to Japan over the coming days
• MFAT advises against all tourist and non-essential travel to Tokyo due to disruptions to essential services such as transport and electricity, and also advises against tourist and non-essential travel to the earthquake and tsunami affected areas in the northeast. Please see www.safetravel.govt.nz for full details
• 850 New Zealanders are now registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as being in Japan.
• There are no reports of New Zealand casualties or injuries
• 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
• MFAT Consular staff now based at Narita International Airport in Tokyo and Sendai in the northeast to assist New Zealanders
• 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
• 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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