No New Zealanders appear to have been harmed in Japan's massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami which hit the country on Friday.
The 8.9 magnitude quake triggered a tsunami that flooded northeast Japan up to 10,000 people are missing, with thousands feared dead.
But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) today said there had been no reports of New Zealanders among the injured or dead.
So far, 818 New Zealanders had registered with the ministry but it was believed there were about 6500 in Japan when the quake hit.
MFAT staff in Wellington and Japan were making ongoing efforts to contact a small number of New Zealanders in the affected areas to determine their whereabouts and safety.
Consular staff were en route to Narita International Airport north of Tokyo and Sendai in the northeast to assist ex-pats affected by the disaster.
All New Zealanders in Japan should monitor developments via media, and follow the instructions of local authorities, the ministry said.
Anyone with concerns about family in Japan should try to contact them directly in the first instance or contact MFAT on 0800 432 111.
New Zealanders in Japan were urged to register their details on www.safetravel.govt.nz, and the ministry recommended against all non-essential travel to Tokyo and badly affected areas in the northeast.
Meanwhile, a team of 42 urban search and rescuers (USAR) will be leaving the country tomorrow morning to help in tsunami devastated areas.
Fire Service USAR team leader Mitchell Brown told NZPA they would be told exactly where they would be deployed once they landed.
"So depending on a number of factors, obviously once we arrive and get set up, they will have a better priority idea on where we should be going to first with our necessary equipment, skills and techniques to do the job that we're tasked to do."
A 66-strong Japanese team, which had been combing through rubble in Christchurch after a deadly quake hit last month, were on their way home to work on their own shattered country.
Mr Brown said it was important to help Japan after they sent support so quickly to Canterbury.
"For our guys, it's important that the New Zealand Government, the Prime Minister, has seen fit to offer this capability."
The Japanese Government accepted search and rescue team help from only four countries, which was "big recognition" for the country, he said.
