Japan-based Australians numbering 1825 were attested to be safe by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Nevertheless, some 900 Australian citizens are still being sought in the earthquake-devastated townships in northeast of Tokyo, Japan.

Since the 8.9 magnitude quake struck the island-nation, more than 5,000 calls had been received by Australia's Foreign Affairs Department to verify if loved ones and other family members are safe.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in an interview over the radio program Weekend Sunrise with Samantha Armytage, the Embassy officials based in Tokyo are working very hard to bring an update on Australians currently in Japan.

The Australian government, Mr. Rudd, has pointed out have given direct assistance to the Japan government by sending its reliable team of search and rescue workers. He noted that the government had also volunteered to help the Japanese authorities to set up emergency caring services field units, which Australian officers are apparently known and trained for.

"I spoke last night to the Japanese Foreign Minister at some length about other areas of assistance which Australia could provide. I advised him that we had an ability through the Defence Force and through our other medical assistance teams to deploy immediate field hospitals in the affected areas, if that's what Japan wanted," said Mr. Rudd.

He also indicated that Australia could assist through the Australian Federal Police with disaster victim identification teams. Given the large number of apparent Japanese fatalities, and possibly foreign fatalities, Mr. Rudd have recommended to them that they bulk up their capacities in this area.

"The third, of course, is I've offered him expertise from our own Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority (ARPANSA) to work with Japanese colleagues as well. He will come back to us if any of those further offers of expertise are required," he added.

Mr. Rudd noted the Australian government has also sent four translators, four counsellors, three Immigration Department liaison officers and 11 consular staff, 10 of whom speak Japanese, to help the 37 embassy staff in Tokyo. Four consular officers are based at Narita Airport to help departing Australians and another four are at Senda-one of the badly hit cities by the quake