Department of Foreign Affairs asks Irish in Japan to consider situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs is today asking Irish citizens in the north-east of Japan and Tokyo to decide whether they need to remain in those areas, given the developing situation.

Those looking to leave - particularly people with young children - are being urged to do so as soon as possible. The Department is stressing there are no reports of any Irish casualties in the affected areas.

"Given the situation, we would encourage Irish citizens to consider the necessity for their presence in the north east of Japan and the Tokyo region," said a statement from the Department.

"This is particularly the case for people with small children. Those seeking to leave these areas should make a travel reservation as soon as possible."

Japan has been hit by a magnitude 6 earthquake in the past few hours, the biggest aftershock since last week's disaster.

It comes as a new 30-mile no fly zone has been put in place around the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Residents in neighbouring towns and cities who have not been evacuated are also now being told to remain indoors.

Radiation levels at the plant, which has suffered a series of explosions since last Friday's earthquake and tsunami, are said to be dropping.