Global Reaction

S. Korea sends rescue team to quake-hit Japan

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-03-12 16:34

Japan's Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Chiaki Takahashi (L) welcomes a Korean rescue team with search dogs upon their arrival at Haneda Airport March 12, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - A five-member rescue team and two search dogs have been sent to Japan at the request of the Japanese government in the wake of a massive earthquake, Seoul's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Saturday.

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The team, along with rescue equipment, left here for Tokyo at noon as flights to  Japan resumed after one day of suspension. They will then head to quake-devastated region to help relief efforts, the ministry said.

In addition, South Korea currently has three military transport planes and a 120-member relief team on standby, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, South Korea's Red Cross also began recruiting volunteers and raising relief funds to help Japan's relief efforts, according to local media.

A magnitude-8.8 earthquake hit northeastern Japan on Friday. The massive quake triggered huge tsunami along Japan's Pacific coast, and enormous waves smashed the northern parts of the coast in particular.

According to Japan's public broadcaster NHK, at least 630 people were killed, and the number of victims of the catastrophe is expected to rise to well over 1,000.