A large magnitude earthquake has occurred near the east coast of Honshu, Japan, on Friday, March 11, 2011, creating mass devastation and death. This also triggered a large tsunami that affected many countries. Google has created a Crisis Response site for the affected area that provides news, maps, and other resources, including a person finder tool.

The Travel Insurance Select plan available through USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services includes Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Travel Delay coverage due to the Insured’s residence or destination being made uninhabitable by natural disaster. The plan must have been purchased before Thursday, March 10, 2011, for coverage to be in effect.

Policyholders affected by the earthquake can also receive emergency travel assistance for things such as flight and hotel booking, wire transfers, message relay and more by calling 1-866-346-1803 or 1-715-342-3541 (collect). Assistance representatives have access to up-to-date information regarding airline schedules and airport closures. They can help insured passengers make alternate travel arrangements.