Japan quake: NZ sends rescue team
A 70-strong New Zealand urban search and rescue team has arrived in Japan to help in the recovery process of the death and devastation caused by the mega-earthquake and tsunami which struck the country on Friday.
They are expected to be based 130km from an at-risk nuclear reactor in Japan, where radiation has risen at Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant following an explosion there this afternoon.
Friday's 8.9 magnitude quake that shook northeastern Japan caused major problems at six reactors. But the danger is greatest at two reactors at Dai-ichi, where one explosion occurred on Saturday and a second this afternoon.
Rescue workers used chainsaws and hand picks to dig out bodies in Japan's devastated coastal towns.
Millions of people spent a third night without water, food or heating in near-freezing temperatures along the devastated northeastern coast.
Also, the containment building of a second nuclear reactor exploded because of hydrogen buildup while the stock market plunged over the likelihood of huge losses by Japanese industries including big names such as Toyota and Honda.
More than 10,000 people are estimated to have died in the twin tragedy that has caused unimaginable deprivation for people of this industrialised country that has not seen such hardships since World War II.
For the New Zealand USAR team, the National Radiation Laboratory in Christchurch was consulted and was available to USAR team management.
The USAR team had spent time in the past three weeks in Christchurch, which was extensively damaged by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on February 22.
Prime Minister John Key was assured that while the team had "worked its guts out" and may be tired they were confident they could do the job.
"I am advised that in sending this team we are not leaving New Zealand vulnerable in terms of our ability to respond to emergencies here. Japan responded quickly last month to the Christchurch earthquake and the New Zealand Government is very happy to provide whatever assistance we can to Japan at this time of need,” Mr Key told media.
Labour leader Phil Goff expressed sympathy and condolences for the loss of life in Japan.
"Hour by hour the situation seems to be deteriorating in Japan."
The death toll was rising and there was massive concern about nuclear reactors.
"I am very pleased that we are sending a Usar team, I think that's really important. It reciprocates the immediate support for New Zealand by Japan and this time of course we are dealing with a tragedy on a much larger scale."
In many areas there is no running water, no power and four- to five-hour waits for petrol. People are suppressing hunger with instant noodles or rice balls while dealing with the loss of loved ones and homes.
A 70-strong New Zealand urban search and rescue team has arrived in Japan to help in the recovery process of the death and devastation caused by the mega-earthquake and tsunami which struck the country on Friday. They are expected to be based 130km from an at-risk nuclear reactor in Japan, where...
A 70-strong New Zealand urban search and rescue team has arrived in Japan to help in the recovery process of the death and devastation caused by the mega-earthquake and tsunami which struck the country on Friday.
They are expected to be based 130km from an at-risk nuclear reactor in Japan, where radiation has risen at Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant following an explosion there this afternoon.
Friday's 8.9 magnitude quake that shook northeastern Japan caused major problems at six reactors. But the danger is greatest at two reactors at Dai-ichi, where one explosion occurred on Saturday and a second this afternoon.
Rescue workers used chainsaws and hand picks to dig out bodies in Japan's devastated coastal towns.
Millions of people spent a third night without water, food or heating in near-freezing temperatures along the devastated northeastern coast.
Also, the containment building of a second nuclear reactor exploded because of hydrogen buildup while the stock market plunged over the likelihood of huge losses by Japanese industries including big names such as Toyota and Honda.
More than 10,000 people are estimated to have died in the twin tragedy that has caused unimaginable deprivation for people of this industrialised country that has not seen such hardships since World War II.
For the New Zealand USAR team, the National Radiation Laboratory in Christchurch was consulted and was available to USAR team management.
The USAR team had spent time in the past three weeks in Christchurch, which was extensively damaged by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on February 22.
Prime Minister John Key was assured that while the team had "worked its guts out" and may be tired they were confident they could do the job.
"I am advised that in sending this team we are not leaving New Zealand vulnerable in terms of our ability to respond to emergencies here. Japan responded quickly last month to the Christchurch earthquake and the New Zealand Government is very happy to provide whatever assistance we can to Japan at this time of need,” Mr Key told media.
Labour leader Phil Goff expressed sympathy and condolences for the loss of life in Japan.
"Hour by hour the situation seems to be deteriorating in Japan."
The death toll was rising and there was massive concern about nuclear reactors.
"I am very pleased that we are sending a Usar team, I think that's really important. It reciprocates the immediate support for New Zealand by Japan and this time of course we are dealing with a tragedy on a much larger scale."
In many areas there is no running water, no power and four- to five-hour waits for petrol. People are suppressing hunger with instant noodles or rice balls while dealing with the loss of loved ones and homes.
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