Japan readies 1,000 troops, naval ships for Philippines relief
- 11 years ago
Japan is preparing to send up to 1,000 troops, naval vessels and aircraft to the Philippines to help with disaster relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.
It could be Tokyo's biggest deployment since World War Two.
(SOUNDBITE)(Japanese) JAPANESE DEFENSE MINISTER, ITSUNORI ONODERA, SAYING:
"We have three ships, including the Ise, berthed in Kure and loaded with aid and helicopters. Whichever way we are preparing a mission of 1,000 people and as soon as they are ready, we will discuss with the Philippine government on what actions to take."
As well as sending the Ise, Japan has also pleged 40 million dollars in emergency aid to the Philippines. It has already sent a 25-strong emergency medical relief team and 50 troops.
A New Zealand Airforce Hercules carrying emergency supplies has also left Auckland heading to the Philippines.
New Zealand has given more than $4 million in relief aid.
This aircraft is carrying water containers, generators, ta
It could be Tokyo's biggest deployment since World War Two.
(SOUNDBITE)(Japanese) JAPANESE DEFENSE MINISTER, ITSUNORI ONODERA, SAYING:
"We have three ships, including the Ise, berthed in Kure and loaded with aid and helicopters. Whichever way we are preparing a mission of 1,000 people and as soon as they are ready, we will discuss with the Philippine government on what actions to take."
As well as sending the Ise, Japan has also pleged 40 million dollars in emergency aid to the Philippines. It has already sent a 25-strong emergency medical relief team and 50 troops.
A New Zealand Airforce Hercules carrying emergency supplies has also left Auckland heading to the Philippines.
New Zealand has given more than $4 million in relief aid.
This aircraft is carrying water containers, generators, ta