Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Minister of Defense has said the self-defense forces deployed to the areas in Ishikawa prefecture hard hit by the recent earthquake will be further strengthened by taking into consideration the quality and quantity of daily life support provided.

According to the ministry, the Self-Defense Forces will deploy 5,400 personnel, 12 search dogs, approximately 30 aircraft, and 9 ships to carry out search and rescue and livelihood support operations.”

Local reports said damage on the Noto Peninsula is extensive, that roads were cut off, that there has been widespread collapse and weakening of homes and other buildings, and that the local infrastructure networks such as transportation and utilities have been disrupted.

Thousands of people from the area have been displaced from their homes and are in shelters. So far, 161 deaths have been confirmed but hundreds of people are still missing in the rubble.The Defense minister said “In the early stages, we were working to monitor the damage using aircraft that emphasized aerial mobility. We have been making maximum efforts to conduct search, rescue, and support operations for disaster victims.”

Heavy snowfall and the cold add to the increasingly difficult conditions for survivors and the rescue teams.