Japan's 8.8 richterscale earthquake
Whirlpools are seen following a tsunami and earthquake in Iwaki city, Fukushima Prefecture, March 11, 2011. The biggest earthquake to hit Japan since records began 140 years ago struck the northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-metre tsunami that swept away everything in its path, including houses, ships, cars and farm buildings on fire. Reuters

Google is helping those lost and confused in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that erupted off the coast of Northeast Japan earlier this morning.

Through two separate services, Crisis Center and Person Finder, Google is attempting to help people get information in real time. Crisis Center is a listing of real-time information on transportation, alarms and blackouts.

Google's Crisis Center also has real time news and updates with has a link to Google's Person Finder. This tool, which Google has used throughout several natural disasters including the recent earthquake in New Zealand, helps people find possible missing friends and family.

Currently, Google's Person Finder for Japan's disaster says it is tracking 7,200 records. The company said the data is available to the public and viewable and usable by anyone. However, it did note it does not review or verify the accuracy of this data.

The earthquake, which hit 8.9 on the Richter scale, has had a crippling effect on Japan. On top of the crushed infrastructure (four million homes in Japan are without power), caused by the earthquake and tsunami, it has caused at least 1,000 deaths and 88,000 people are reported missing.

To contact the reporter responsible for this story call (646) 461 6920 or email g.perna@ibtimes.com.

Google inc Japan Disasters Google inc