The Catskill Chronicle

22nd Congressional District, NY (March 12, 2011) – The following post from Congressman Hinchey’s blog details the resources available to constituents looking for information on loved ones, friends and family members in Japan.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the tragic 8.9-magnitude earthquake that shook Japan on Friday. 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.

At this time, there are no reports of U.S. citizens killed or injured in the earthquake. 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. The Department of Defense is reporting that all personnel have been accounted for, and there are no reports of injuries.

If you are concerned about a friend or loved one, here is what you can do to find more information:

• If you are a resident of New York’s 22nd Congressional District or have concerns about a constituent from the district, my offices can help facilitate your efforts to obtain information on the status of U.S. citizens.
• You can find more information by monitoring travel.state.gov and the Embassy Tokyo websites for the latest updates.
• If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in Japan, please send an an e-mail at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov
• If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in the Tsunami zone outside of Japan, please send an an e-mail at PacificTsunamiUSC@state.gov
• E-mail inquiries are strongly preferred, but constituents may call the Department’s emergency assistance center at 1-888-407-4747 (Calling from outside the U.S. + 1-202-501-4444) if they are unable to use e-mail.
• If you are calling regarding a Japanese citizen, please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy (Washington – 202-238-6700) or Consulate.
• 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.