THUNDER BAY – Updated – 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.