Korean aid groups stream into Japan

By Kim Tae-jong

The government has sent a second team to aid in rescue and recovery efforts in disaster-stricken Japan, an official said Sunday.

The quick dispatch came as Seoul pledged full support to the neighboring country after a historic 9.0 magnitude quake and ensuing tsunami caused great devastation.

About 100 rescue workers and medical staff arrived in Japan early Monday morning on C-130 transport planes of the Korean Air Force.

They will join Seoul’s initial rescue team, who landed at Haneda Airport in Japan at 3 p.m. Saturday, to assess the damage and cooperate with Japanese authorities responding to the emergency situation.

In other moves to help Japan, local humanitarian organizations, religious groups and private companies are also joining hands to do whatever they can to contribute to relief efforts.

The Humanitarian Movement Committee and the Korean Association of Volunteers said they are preparing to send a team of experts. In the past they have sent help to earthquake-hit New Zealand and China.

The Korean Red Cross and other humanitarian groups are collecting financial donations and emergency aid supplies to meet the needs of earthquake and tsunami survivors.

Asiana Airlines, one of the top two Korean air carriers, said Sunday it will supply relief items to northeastern Japan. The supplies include 1,500 in-flight blankets, instant noodles and mineral water, to be delivered via an Incheon-Fukushima flight on Monday at 10 a.m., it said.

The Seoul city government echoed willingness to offer necessary support to Japan.

A separate team will be formed and establish a relief fund for search and recovery operations, an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Sunday.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon sent a letter of condolence to his counterpart, Tokyo Mayor Shinataro Ishihara.

Along with active support from its neighbors, Internet bulletin boards and social networking sites have been filled with messages by netizens and celebrities to encourage the people in despair following the devastating quake.

“Pray for Japan. Heard about Japan earthquake, and especially Tokyo got huge earthquake. I hope everybody’s okay,” said Korean singer BoA who enjoys huge popularity in Japan, on her Twitter account.

e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr