How Travellers Can Get Assistance After the Earthquake

An 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan on Friday, triggering a tsunami that came ashore across much of the surrounding area -- including the city of Sendai, which is about 80 miles away. The full extent of the damage and loss of life is still unknown. News reports have not indicated any major damage to the city of Tokyo.

Tsunami warnings have been issued across much of the Pacific -- from Australia to Hawaii and the US West Coast. Coastal areas of Hawaii were evacuated Friday morning and airports in Maui, Kauai and the Big Island were shut down Friday as a precaution.

The Foreign Office has issued a warning for Japan and areas of Asia Pacific and the Americas. There is a helpline, or those seeking assistance can email japan.earthquake@fco.gov.uk. Travellers with upcoming trips to Japan should contact their travel provider for details and updates.

There is a a Web tool from Google to help locate missing people in Japan.