(No. 311 – September 23, 2010 – 8:45 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today conveyed Canada's condolences to the people of China after typhoon Fanapi in Southern China took the lives of more than 50 people, left more than 40 missing, and resulted in the temporary evacuation of some 98,000 people.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I wish to express our deep sympathies and sorrow to the families and friends of those killed, and wish a swift recovery to the injured," said Minister Cannon. "Our thoughts are with the Chinese people and Canadians of Chinese descent who are worried about their loved ones.
"To date, we have received no reports of Canadian deaths or injuries due to the typhoon. Canadian officials in Ottawa and at our embassy in Beijing are in close contact with Chinese authorities and will continue to monitor the impact of the typhoon."
Canadian citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian Embassy in Beijing by calling 86 (10) 5139-4000, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Emergency Operations Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 or 613-943-1055, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Melissa Lantsman
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
