WAJIMA: “The US is here to support our friend and ally in its earthquake response. Military logistical support, food, and other supplies are being readied,” US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel posted on social media site X, former President Barack Obama said on Friday.
“We are not accepting any personnel or material aid from other countries or regions at the moment given the situation on the ground and the effort that would be required to receive them,” said Japan’s top spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi.
According to a US official who declined to be identified, the two nations were coordinating on possible US army support.
According to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, over 54,000 US forces troops are located in Japan, making it the largest US military presence abroad.
The US military was heavily active in disaster relief efforts following the 2011 earthquake, deploying nearly 24,000 personnel as well as 24 ships and 189 aircraft. In 2016, they also provided earthquake relief on Kyushu Island.
“All of US Forces Japan remain ready to support our Japanese Allies at this tough period. We are unable to offer specifics on military assistance operations at this time, but we will provide updates when we have more that we can share,” the US Forces in Japan stated in a statement.
On the afternoon of New Year’s Day, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked western Japan’s Noto peninsula, flattening homes, triggering a wave, and cutting off remote settlements.
As the emergency response transitioned from rescue to aid and recovery, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated there were offers of assistance and condolences from countries across the world, including Taiwan and China.
The full extent of the destruction is unknown, with rescue crews unable to access hard-hit communities due to damaged roads and infrastructure.
With over 200 people missing, the disaster is likely to be deadlier than the 2016 earthquake and the worst since a huge earthquake and tsunami rocked Japan’s east coast in 2011.
According to the Mainichi newspaper, Shigeru Sakaguchi, the mayor of severely damaged Wajima city, there are likely more than 100 people still trapped beneath collapsed buildings and rubble.
According to a statement made by the US embassy in Japan, the US will deliver a $100,000 aid package that will contain resources such as blankets, water, and medical supplies.
Volunteers such as Aydin Muhammet, who is normally located in Nagoya, are also traveling to disaster-stricken areas to lend whatever assistance they can.
“After seeing that, you can’t turn a blind eye… “I felt compelled to go; I had to do something,” he explained.
According to Japan’s land ministry, at least 120 hectares (296 acres) of land appear to have been swamped by a tsunami caused by the earthquake.
“We still don’t have a complete picture, and it’s possible that the tsunami-flooded area will spread,” an unnamed land ministry official told the daily Asahi newspaper.
Volunteers such as Aydin Muhammet, who is normally located in Nagoya, are also traveling to disaster-stricken areas to lend whatever assistance they can.
“After seeing that, you can’t turn a blind eye… “I felt compelled to go; I had to do something,” he explained.
According to Japan’s land ministry, at least 120 hectares (296 acres) of land appear to have been swamped by a tsunami caused by the earthquake.
“We still don’t have a complete picture, and it’s possible that the tsunami-flooded area will spread,” an unnamed land ministry official told the daily Asahi newspaper.
