Updated 1.15pm

THE DEPARTMENT OF Foreign Affairs has set a up a crisis centre to assist relatives and friends concerned about loved ones in Japan.

So far today the department’s crisis centre has received around a hundred calls this morning.

A spokesperson said there were approximately 2,000 Irish citizens in Japan but that there were no specific concerns as yet and they were monitoring events closely.

Japan was hit with a 8.9 earthquake early on Friday at about 06.00am GMT; a tsunami warning has been issued for Japan and the entire Pacific Basin, while Hawaii and Russia have ordered evacuation from coastal areas.

The department says it is “closely following the situation” and is keen to establish contact with Irish citizens in the region to confirm their safety.

It has issued an appeal for Irish citizens to get in touch by email, phone or fax.

Concerned relatives are asked to call the crisis centre  on (01) 418 0233 for more information.

Irish citizens in Japan are asked to contact the embassy in Tokyo.

Toyko embassy: tokyoembassy@dfa.ie

Embassy of Ireland, Japan: http://www.embassyofireland.jp/en/#

Consular emergency phone: +353 (0)1 408 2000

Google has also launched a people finder for the Japanese disaster:

Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake >

Additional reporting by Hugh O’Connell