Japan accepts US offer of airborne support as search and rescue continues in quake-ravaged areas

Search and rescue missions are continuing Sunday in quake-stricken regions in Japan's southwest with military personnel and firefighters searching through the rubble of collapsed homes and buildings for signs of life.

The rescue operations have become more dangerous due to heavy wind and rain complicating the situation and increasing the likelihood of landslides and more buildings collapsing especially those that have already been damaged by the quakes.

As such Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday accepted an offer from the United States to provide airborne logistical and transportation support in the worst-hit areas.

At a press conference on Sunday Abe said that he is being updated constantly by rescue services and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and that they are continuing to work tirelessly on life-saving and rescue activities as there are still people unaccounted for.

"The victims spent a difficult night in shelters last night and we will make sure that enough food, medical care and water is made available," the Japanese premiere said, adding that the government intends to improve the living conditions of the evacuees while ensuring their stay in emergency accommodation is not prolonged.

Abe also thanked the United States for their offer of help, and later said that Japan would be accepting their offer of assistance in providing transportation support from US troops to help evacuate more victims from Kumamoto...
 [Xinhua - globaltimes.cn]
17/4/16
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