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Temporary Suspension of the Services Due to an Earthquake

On Friday, March 11, a catastrophic earthquake struck just off the coast of Northeast Japan.  The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake at a magnitude of 8.9, the biggest to hit Japan since record-keeping began in the late 1800s and one of the biggest ever recorded in the world.

In addition to the fires and blackouts caused by the quake itself, it also triggered a devastating tsunami.  There were presumed partial meltdowns at two quake-hit nuclear reactors and problems at a third.  Just how many have perished is hard to say, as many remain missing.  It is estimated that the region hardest hit will count nearly 10,000 deaths.  At least 1.4 million households were left without water since the quake struck and some 2.5 million households were without electricity.  Large areas of the countryside were surrounded by water and unreachable.  Fuel stations are closed and people are running out of gasoline for their cars.

Power companies in Japan have encouraged everyone to cooperate by conserving energy.  Square-Enix is complying with this request by shutting down their servers and temporarily suspending service for PlayOnline, FFXI and FFXIV for approximately one week.