TOKYO: The US Ambassador to Japan announced on Tuesday that the US will send two military helicopters to the earthquake-stricken Noto peninsula on the country’s west coast to assist with relief work in areas where the tragedy has shut off residents.
“On the social media network X, which was formerly known as Twitter, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel stated that “two Blackhawk helicopters will supplement Japan’s fleet assisting to transfer supplies and personnel.”
At a news conference, Japan’s Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara announced that the US planes will start their relief efforts on Wednesday.
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Due to the difficulty of sea evacuations after the massive Jan. 1 earthquake damaged the highways connecting the remote peninsula to the rest of Japan, some vulnerable individuals may only be transported by air, according to a source with knowledge.
The source, who asked to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to speak to the media, indicated that the scope of the US help might increase over the next several days.
It has been established that over 220 people perished in the earthquake that damaged thousands of homes, critical infrastructure, and the local power supply. Strong aftershocks that could cause more landslides and damage to already-weakened structures have complicated relief efforts.
