TOKYO: Japan’s Self-Defense Forces has disbanded a joint team of ground, maritime and air personnel formed in response to the Jan. 1 Noto Peninsula earthquake, Defense Minister KIHARA Minoru said Friday.

The move was made as the transport of supplies using Maritime SDF ships and Ground SDF helicopters and other relief activities have become less frequent one month after the quake hit the peninsula in central Japan. The joint team had up to 14,000 members.

For the time being, 10,000 personnel, mainly from the GSDF, will continue efforts to support the daily lives of affected people by transporting goods, supplying water and food, and providing bathing and other services.

JIJI Press