Message from Ambassador Tsuneo Nishida,
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
on 2011 Tohoku – Pacific Ocean Earthquake
Thursday, March 17, 2011

The earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan on March 11were of a magnitude beyond our worst imaginings, causing massive casualties and destruction of property. The entire nation of Japan, both its government and its people, with the assistance of many countries around the world, is now exhausting all resources to save lives, provide support for victims and restore essential lifelines. As of March 16, more than 26,000 victims had been rescued through the combined efforts of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, Police and Fire Agencies and Coast Guard, and of rescuers from all over the world.

With regard to the Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant, Japan is making strenuous efforts to contain the situation, while ensuring the provision of timely and accurate information, not only to our own people but also to the international community as a whole. In its mission to secure the plant, Japan is cooperating closely with international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and countries with relevant expertise, and accepting necessary assistance.

Detailed and up-to-date information on the earthquake as well as the nuclear power plant is available in English on the website of the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan, on the IAEA website, which is being constantly revised based on the information provided by the Japanese Government, as well as on the websites of the Nuclear Industry Safety Agency (NISA) and the Japan Meteorological Agency.

In addressing the current situation at the Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant, Japan is employing all possible means to prevent any further explosions or leakage of radiation from the plant. At this point, the circumstances do not pose a health threat beyond the immediate vicinity of the power plant itself. The measures currently in force calling for evacuation of all residents within a twenty-kilometer radius of the plant and for those between twenty and thirty kilometers from the plant to take cover indoors, have been implemented in order to maintain the safety of the residents in the area, in the event that the situation may worsen.

Japan has overcome many difficult challenges in the past to create the peaceful and prosperous society that exists today. I am confident that, by calling on the resilience and determination of its people the nation will surmount this tragedy. On behalf of the Japanese Government and its people, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for the support expressed by numerous governments, international organizations and people all over the world to sustain us in our efforts. With your continued assistance, Japan will overcome this unprecedented calamity.

Available websites for updates and detailed information:

- Prime Minister’s Office of Japan

- International Atomic Energy Agency

- Nuclear Industry and Safety Agency

- Ministry of Health Education Sports and Technology

- Japan Meteorological Agency

- Environmental Radioactivity Measurement Result (All Prefectures)