Britons in Japan urged to contact Embassy following tsunami
British nationals in Japan are being asked to contact the British Embassy in Tokyo (+81 3 5211 1100) or the Consulate-General in Osaka (+81 6 6120 5600) following the earthquake and tsunami in the northeast of the country earlier today.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has set up an emergency telephone helpline in London 020 7008 0000 for people who are concerned about relatives and friends in Japan.
The Japanese Embassy in London confirmed a short time ago that the earthquake, of a magnitude of 8.8, was the largest ever to hit the country.
Ambassador Keiichi Hayashi said: “It is a great shock to everyone in Japan and the effects, including the devastating tsunami, of such a large earthquake are unprecedented. Everything possible is being done to limit the extent of the damage."
There are reports that 200 to 300 bodies have been discovered in Sendai, in the northeast, which was struck by a tsunami following the mega-quake early today.
“Both the British Prime Minister Mr David Cameron and the British Foreign Secretary Mr William Hague have expressed their sympathy and condolences to the victims and offered all possible assistance to Japan," added Mr Hayashi.
"Mr Cameron instructed his aide to personally convey his message to me from Brussels. We are grateful to them for their compassionate words, and to the numerous other people in the United Kingdom who have expressed their deep concern and sent us many kind messages of solicitude. Your support and friendship at this time is very much appreciated.
“At this stage, we have not heard of any casualties amongst UK nationals in Japan. We do, however, very much understand the concern of those with family and friends in Japan and wish to coordinate with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in offering any necessary information.”
There are reports that a ship with 100 passengers onboard has gone missing and the death toll in Sendai and the northeast of Japan is expected to rise.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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