On Friday, four days after an earthquake in the Noto peninsula killed 91 people and prompted the evacuation of thousands, Japan plans to accept a relief team from the United States but no aid from other governments.
As per the reports, the United States and Japan are discussing how and when the US will send soldiers to the Noto peninsula.
Yoshimasa Hayashi, a Japanese spokesperson, “We are not accepting any personnel or material aid at the moment given the situation on the ground and the efforts that would be required to receive them”. Hayashi refused to elaborate on the whole plan.
Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Prime Minister stated there have been offers of assistance and condolences from governments across the world including Taiwan and China.
The precise range of casualties and damage from the New Year’s Day earthquake remains unclear, with rescue teams trying to access hard-hit areas due to severed roads and destroyed infrastructure.
However, with over 200 people still missing, the disaster is likely to be the deadliest since 2016 and the worst since a massive earthquake and tsunami struck the east coast of Japan in 2011.
The American military forces were deeply involved in disaster relief efforts following the 2011 earthquake, deploying nearly 24,000 people as well as 24 ships and 189 aircraft.
“We may receive assistance in the future, but nothing has been decided at this time”, the Japanese Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated.
According to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the United States has around 54,000 personnel in Japan, making it the host of the largest US military presence abroad.
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