Google alerts users to tsunami risk after Japan quake

Internet search giant Google is warning users on its search page about the tsunami danger across the Pacific following the earthquake off the coast of Japan.

Google has in the past set up a crisis response service following quakes in New Zealand and Chile but so far has apparently begun its response with an alert underneath the search bar of its main www.google.com page.

"Tsunami Alert for New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and others. Waves expected over the next few hours, caused by 8.9 earthquake in Japan," the alert reads.

After last month's devastating New Zealand earthquake, information quickly flowed out from Christchurch to sites such as Google's Crisis Response service where people can add or request information on individuals.

The site's person finder tool soon notched up records on thousands of people, some missing, others found alive and well.

As of 0930 GMT, there was apparently no crisis response service for the Japan quake.

www.google.com/crisisresponse/

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