On March 11, 2011, a powerful 9.0 earthquake struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan and a series of significant aftershocks have already struck the same area.

Government of Canada officials in Ottawa and at our Embassy in Tokyo are closely monitoring the situation and are working closely with local authorities to identify and locate Canadians in need of assistance. Embassy staff are providing consular assistance where required.

It is estimated there are over 11,000 Canadians in Japan. More than 4,000 Canadians are registered and more than 12,600 calls were received at DFAIT's Emergency Operations Centre. We are aware of the death of one Canadian citizen.

There are currently 16 Canadian federal departments and agencies collaborating within Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Task Force on Natural Disasters Abroad.

The Government of Canada is also working in close coordination with provincial and territorial authorities and stands ready to respond to other specific requests for assistance.

Travel advice

DFAIT advises against non-essential travel to the areas of northern Honshu that were directly affected by the March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami. However, using the Tohoku Expressway and the Tohoku Shinkansen Railway to transit through this area is considered safe. We advise against all travel within 30 km of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Please consult the complete travel report.

Other important links

• How Canadians can help
• Photo Gallery
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• Japan Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA)

GoC links

• Nuclear Emergency in Japan (PHAC)
• Health concerns in Canada (HC)
• Japan Earthquake: Information for Canadians Regarding Imported Food (CFIA)
• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
• Japan earthquake information for Canadians (PSC)

News releases

• 2011-03-15 | Canada Provides Relief Supplies to Japan
• 2011-03-14 | Damaged Japanese Nuclear Power Plants not Expected to Pose Risk to Canada
• 2011-03-13 | Canada Offers Technical Expertise and Relief Assistance to Japan
• 2011-03-11 | Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Following the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan
• 2011-03-11 | Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the Japan earthquake and tsunami
• 2011-03-11 | Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks with Japan’s Ambassador to Canada
• 2011-03-11 | Readout on earthquake and tsunamis in Japan