Govt offers assistance to quake-hit Japan

India today said there were no reports of any casualties amongst the approximately 25,000- strong Indian community in Japan, which was hit by a severe earthquake and tsunami, and offered assistance that may be required by that country.

"India conveys its sympathies to the government and people of Japan who have been affected by the severe earthquake and tsunami that hit parts of Japan today afternoon. We are saddened by the loss of life and extensive damage to property and infrastructure," the Ministry of External Affairs said here.

Noting that there were no reports of any casualties among the approximately 25,000-strong Indian community in Japan which is concentrated in the Kanto and Kansai regions, the MEA said "our Embassy in Tokyo and Consulate in Osaka are in touch with community members and verifying the situation on the ground."

Letters of sympathy with offers of assistance were written by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to their Japanese counterparts.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has spoken to Japanese Ambassador, Akitaka Saiki here to convey heartfelt sympathies and condolences as well as offer any assistance that may be required, the MEA said in a release.

The MEA said it is monitoring the situation closely and would take all necessary steps required as per exigencies.

A control room has been established in the Indian Embassy in Tokyo which can be contacted on phone numbers 00813 32622391 to 97, it said.