Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has extended South Africa's deepest condolences to the government and people of Japan following the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck parts of Japan.
"The people of South Africa share the pain and loss of the loved ones, their homes and property, and our thoughts and prayers go to the affected families," said Zuma.
South Africa said it stood ready to assist in whatever manner possible within its resources, and wished the rescue and recovery teams well.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation's Consular Services is in contact with the Embassy in Japan to assess any assistance required by South African citizens that may have been affected.
Members of the public who have family in Japan are requested to contact the department's Consular Section at: 012 351 1750/1751/1000.
Meanwhile, the 8.8 magnitude earthquake, which hit Japan's northeastern Honshu Island, has left at least 50 people dead and scores others injured.
At least 10 people were killed and more than 300 homes were knocked down by the quake-triggered tsunami in Iwate Prefecture. The tsunami has reportedly reached up to 5 km inland in Fukushima Prefecture.
After a ministerial meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan called on the public to remain calm in the face of the disaster.
"Our government will make all efforts to minimize the damage caused by the earthquake," Kan said at a news conference after the meeting.
He said that no problems have occurred so far in Japan's nuclear power stations following the massive quake.
"Parts of nuclear plants were automatically shut down but we haven't confirmed any effects induced by radioactive materials outside the facilities," said Kan.
A 10-meter tsunami has washed the port in Sendai city, where many house were flooded with seawater. Meanwhile, the runways of Sendai airport were submerged, said local media reports.
An explosion was observed at the Cosmo Oil refinery in Chiba Prefecture following the massive quake.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) first upgraded the magnitude of the earthquake from 7.9 to 8.4 and later revised it up to 8.8, which the agency referred to as one of the largest quakes ever seen in Japan.
