Washington, D.C. - Congressman Howard L. Berman (CA-28), Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after learning of the devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that hit Japan.

“I am very saddened to see the loss of life and destruction of property caused by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan and would like to offer my deepest condolences to all those affected by this massive disaster.  Congress and the American people mourn with the people of Japan, and we stand ready to assist in the relief effort.”

If you are concerned about the well-being of a family member or friend in Japan, the State Department has provided the guidance and resources below:

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO CONSTITUENTS IN JAPAN

The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. embassy and consulates in Japan are working to obtain information on the status of U.S. citizens and to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens.   Although telephone lines are disrupted, relatives may want to try contacting loved ones in Japan by e-mail, text (SMS) message, or other social media.

CONSULAR ASSISTANCE TO U.S. CITIZENS IN JAPAN

Online Information: Monitor travel.state.gov and the Embassy Tokyo websites for the latest updates.

Public and Congressional Inquiries:

If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in Japan, please send an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov

If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in the Tsunami zone outside of Japan, please send us an e-mail at PacificTsunamiUSC@state.gov

E-mail inquiries are strongly preferred, but you may call the Department's emergency assistance center at 1-888-407-4747 (Calling from outside the U.S. + 1-202-501-4444) if you are unable to use e-mail.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL INQUIRIES

U.S. Forces Japan reports that all personnel have been accounted for, and there are no reports of injuries.

The Department of Defense instructs that family members of Department of Defense personnel should call 1-800-342-9647 to inquire about their loved ones or contact the individual unit command directly for more specific information.

JAPANESE AND OTHER CITIZENS

If you are calling regarding a Japanese citizen, please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy (Washington - 202-238-6700) or Consulate (Los Angeles 213-617-6700).

If you are calling regarding a citizen of a third country, please contact that country’s Embassy or Consulate.  Contact information for foreign Embassies and Consulates in the United States is available in the Country Specific Information links at www.travel.state.gov.

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