**********************************************************
The HKSAR Government is very concerned about the earthquake in Japan this afternoon (March 11) and urged Hong Kong residents in Japan to pay attention to their safety and keep abreast of relevant information.
A government spokesperson said the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre had been activated to closely monitor the development of the situation.
The Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department has increased the capacity of its hotline (1868). It will join the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo and the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo to provide assistance to Hong Kong residents there.
Immigration officers are now at the Hong Kong International Airport and will depart for Tokyo to provide assistance to Hong Kong residents when the airports in Tokyo reopen.
Hong Kong residents in Japan who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline (852)1868 of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department.
Ends/Friday, March 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:54
NNNN
