Quick Action, United States Offers Japan Emergency Response Assistance After Earthquake Disaster

JAKARTA - United States (US) Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said the US Government offered assistance to Japan which had just been affected by a magnitude (M) magnitude of 7.4-7.5.

Emanuel ensured that logistics in the form of aid personnel from the military, food and other supplies were being prepared.

"When Japan needed help, we were here to help, either through civilians with resources, or through the military with logistics," Emanuel told Kyodo media, quoted by Antara, Friday, June 5 at WIB.

"Initial assistance is worth around 100 thousand US dollars (Rp1.55 billion) but that value is still in the 'face money' stage," he continued.

Japan is currently continuing its search and rescue operations at the epicenter of a devastating earthquake on the main island of Honshu, Ishikawa Prefecture.

When the US aid offer was delivered, the death toll from the earthquake increased to over 80.

Access to land routes to disaster-affected areas was also hampered due to being cut off.

Emanuel added that a number of helicopters would be deployed to deliver this assistance. The aid, including food, water, blankets, medical support to military technicians for repairing bridges and roads, is available.

"We have offered assistance, and the offer has been accepted. This is early stage help, if they (Japan) need more, they know where to contact us," said Emanuel.

Apart from the US, a number of countries have also offered assistance. However, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his government has so far refused to accept personnel and material support from abroad because the affected areas have not been able to receive material support or accommodate volunteers.

Nevertheless, Kishida said Japan was grateful for its support and offer of assistance.

Emanuel said that if US government assistance was accepted, the action would not conflict with the attitude of the Japanese state. This is because the US-Japan alliance, including US resources, is already in Japan.

"We will do whatever Japan says to move resources anywhere, this is an effort commanded by Japan," said Emanuel.

US President Joe Biden himself has stated "ready to provide the necessary assistance for the Japanese people."

When a large earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan in 2011, the US military also carried out a disaster relief mission known as "Operation Tomodochi" which became a symbol of the US-Japan bilateral alliance.