According to media reports, at least 20 people were killed and more than 1,000 people were injured and had to be treated in hospitals.
Around 80 people are believed to be under damaged or collapsed buildings and the Japanese authorities are carrying out search and rescue operations.
Even though an increase in the number of people affected and killed is unfortunately to be expected, an international request for assistance is not anticipated at this time. Based on previous comparable events in Japan, it can be assumed that the Japanese emergency response authorities are in control of the situation and that rapid care of the affected persons is guaranteed. There is therefore no deployment option for the I.S.A.R. Germany rescue teams. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.