MFAT Media Update 1: Japan & Libya

5:10 pm, 20 March 2011

Japan

• 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.

• 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 are advised to follow the advice of Japanese authorities who are closely monitoring the situation of contamination in food and water sources around Fukushima.

• The Ministry is keeping the situation in various parts of Japan under constant review. The travel advisory is being frequently reviewed and updated to ensure it is as clear and specific as possible. The current version is available at: www.safetravel.govt.nz.

• The Ministry has confirmed the safety of 2219 New Zealanders in Japan, and we encourage any New Zealanders in Japan, who have not done so already, to register via www.safetravel.govt.nz

• Please note that the MFAT 0800 crisis centre (0800 432 111) will be stood-down at 7pm this evening. New Zealanders seeking urgent assistance and advice should call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on +64 4 439 8000

Libya

• The Libya travel advisory has been reviewed following the implementation of a "no-fly zone" over Libyan airspace and commencement of UN-sanctioned military operations.

• We continue to advise New Zealanders against all travel to Libya due to the volatile security situation and ongoing military operations. The current travel advice for Libya can be found at www.safetravel.govt.nz

• MFAT is aware of four New Zealanders who have decided to remain in Libya. All New Zealanders currently in Libya are urged to register their details via www.safetravel.govt.nz

ENDS

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