Today is a very grievous and horrific time when a major, powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 24.4 km, struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan, which caused significant aftershocks and tsunami surging inland.
“Canadian officials at the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo are working with Japanese authorities to determine whether any Canadians have been injured in the earthquake or tsunami.”
Canada sent condolences and prayers to the friends and families who have lost their loved ones in the earthquake and tsunami.
“Canada will stand by the people of Japan during this difficult moment.”
Foreign Affairs
and International Trade Canada
News Release
March 11, 2011
Canada’s response to the earthquake in Japan
A powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 24.4 km, struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan on March 11, 2011 at 14:46 local time. A series of significant aftershocks, ranging in size from 5.8 to 7.1 magnitude, have already struck the same area.
Officials at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa and at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo are closely monitoring the situation, are actively working to determine the impact on any Canadians that may be affected, and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens in need.
Officials in Ottawa and across the Asia-Pacific region are also closely monitoring the potential impact of the tsunami warnings affecting the wider region.
Canadians who believe that they have Canadian friends or family who may be affected to call the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at 613-943-1055, or toll free within Canada at 1-800-387-3124, or email sos@international.gc.ca.
Canadian citizens in Japan requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo at (011-81-3) 5412-6200, or call DFAIT’s Emergency Operations Centre collect at 613-996-8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.
The Government of Canada extends its condolences to all those affected by this significant natural disaster.
Travel Report and Warnings
- Japan Travel Report
- Foreign Travel: Assistance to Canadians once you are abroad
- Registration of Canadians Abroad
Assistance for Canadians in Japan
Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the Emergency Operations Centre or call 613-996-8885 collect. The Operations Centre of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How Canadians can help
The best way for Canadians to help is to donate money – not clothing or food.
More information for those who would like to help:
- Other ways Canadians can help
- How can Canadian companies help?
- How the Government of Canada responds to natural disasters abroad – FAQs
Information on the region