No British casualties reported in Japanese earthquake

No British casualties have yet been recorded in Japan - but the Foreign Office warned thousands were living or working in the country.

Consular teams are on standby in the US, Hong Kong and London.

Disaster experts Rapid UK have a unit of around 59 volunteers on standby to fly to Japan if called upon, providing technical search and rescue experts, as well as paramedic, boat and dog teams.

Among Britons trying to reach loved ones, which proved difficult due to phone lines going down, were relatives of graduates on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (Jet) programme.

A co-ordinator at the London office said between 300 and 400 Britons are in Japan.

She said: "We are still trying to get hold of them. Their parents are desperately trying to find out where they are."

Concerned relatives were urged to phone the crisis line in London on 020 7008 0000.

UK nationals in Japan were advised to make contact with the British Embassy in Tokyo on +(81) 3 5211 1100 or the Consulate-General in Osaka on +(81) 6 6120 5600.

Asked about the possibility of British casualties, a spokesman for the Japanese embassy in London said: "So far as we are aware we haven't heard of any at this stage. We hope there aren't any of course but we can't say for sure."

The Queen sent a message to Emperor Akihito, saying: "I was saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life caused by the earthquake which has struck north east Japan today."

Meanwhile, rescue teams from the Midlands were still waiting to hear if they would be drafted in to the relief mission.

A team from West Midlands Fire Service remained on standby, having just flown back from quake-hit New Zealand.

And a rescue volunteer today said he had packed his bags and was ready to fly out to Japan if needed to help with the massive relief effort following the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Peter Old, aged 51, from Bayston Hill near Shrewsbury, is part of the national charity Rapid UK which sends people experienced in disaster response across the globe to help those hit by natural disaster.

"We are on standby ready for the Japanese government request for help " said Mr Old. "

"We could be asked to go out any moment now and the bags are packed. He rescue equipment is already packed."

Mr Old, who is married with two children in their 20s, said: "My family are very supportive about me going out.

"It is a dangerous environment to be in if you are underneath a collapsed building."