Disaster Update
Japan –
The American Red Cross is funding approximately half (or $500,0000) of the United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) logistical operation in Japan.
- WFP is supporting the Government of Japan’s delivery of relief items to people affected by the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency by deploying personnel with logistical expertise and mobile warehouses to store relief items.
- WFP has built up decades of experience in delivering food and other relief items in the most challenging environments. WFP is mandated to lead logistics operations by UN agencies whenever a humanitarian emergency strikes.
- The American Red Cross has not been asked at this time to send any material items to Japan. Our main partner—the Japanese Red Cross—had sufficient supplies available throughout the country before the earthquake and tsunami and has been distributing them to the survivors since the disaster began on March 11.
Bad weather in the last few days is disrupting emergency relief efforts, including the delivery of supplies, and further compounding the situation in evacuation centers, where families have to endure the cold nights.
Ten days into the disaster response, the Japanese Red Cross continues to provide emergency relief, medical services and emotional support to affected communities. The American Red Cross is in close contact with our partners in the Asia Pacific region to offer our support, and they are grateful for the assistance.
American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Activity
Currently, all American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces staff stationed at military installations in the Far East are assisting with the voluntary departures of military families from Japan. The Red Cross is supporting military operations through registration of departees; escort duty; and assisting in military sheltering operations.
The American Red Cross has 19 staff members on eight U.S. military installations in Japan. Currently, these staff are supporting military operations by helping military families who are voluntarily departing Japan. They are providing canteen services; registering passengers; helping people find out where to secure all the required military clearances; and assisting people to the aircraft. Once the families reach the U.S., Red Cross staff are also on hand to provide families food, snacks and comfort items.
To help military families who are voluntarily departing Japan, American Red Cross staff at these stations are providing canteen services; data entry for all passengers to process ticketing; helping-hand services to help people find restrooms, food, and where to secure all the required military clearances; and assisting people to the aircraft.
As is the normal practice for a disaster, Red Cross station managers are in the military Emergency Operations Centers for their respective installations and assisting as needed. American Red Cross staff at Yokota Air Base, Japan, continue to provide canteen services for inbound military rescue/relief personnel.
The SAF staff at Joint Base Lewis/McChord in Washington State is working with the King and Kitsap Chapter and the Mt. Rainier Chapter to support the inbound military families voluntarily departing Japan. The team is currently providing food, snacks and comfort items for the military families.
The Dept. of Defense is in the process of opening a Welcome Center at Denver International Airport. The Mile High Chapter is actively involved with the support of military families by acting as a welcoming committee and providing food, snacks and emotional support. The first flight is expected to land in the next 24 hours.
