Foreign Affairs still trying to locate Irish in Asia quake

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it has not learned of any Irish casualties in the disaster.

Irish embassies in the region are trying to locate any citizens caught up in the disaster.

They're asking anyone with friends or family in the region to contact them.

A number of foreign tourists are thought to be amongst the dead.

So far the US has reported 3 fatalities, Denmark lost 2 of its citizens and New Zealand is reporting one of its nationals dead.

The task of locating Irish people in South East Asia is made more difficult by the nature of tourism in the region.

While it has many modern tourist resorts, it is also popular with backpackers, often travelling alone, and staying in small guest houses.

Thailand is the most popular destination, particularly with travellers en route to or from Australia.

Two of Thailand's most popular tourist islands, Phuket and Ko Phi Phi, were devastated by the tidal waves.

If you are concerned about family members that have been travelling in the area you can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs at 01-4082302, 01-4082876 or 01-4082308.