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Japan forges ahead with quake-relief efforts

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-03-16 15:37

The Navy advised personnel at Yokosuka and Sasebo bases to avoid outdoor activities, but vowed the relief mission in Japan would go on.

Meanwhile, more US service members in the disaster zone tested positive for radiation. On Monday, radiation contamination was found in 17 USS Ronald Reagan air crew members who returned to the ship after conducting disaster relief missions near Sendai city.

China's embassy in Japan Tuesday called for an orderly evacuation of Chinese nationals from the areas worst hit by the quake and tsunami.

The embassy and the Chinese consulate in Niigata would send buses to four areas in Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Iwate prefectures to pick up Chinese nationals and help them return home.

So far, China hasn't yet received any casualty report of its citizens in Japan.

A fresh 6.4-magnitude quake jolted Shizuoka prefecture and its vicinity including Tokyo at 10:31 p.m. local time (13:31 GMT) Tuesday. No tsunami warning was issued, and no damage to nuclear power plants was reported.

Meanwhile, the world community is wasting no time in providing more assistance to Japan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Tuesday that China would continue to provide Japan with necessary assistance in accordance with the latter's needs.

A number of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) extended relief aid to Japan, said a statement released by the ASEAN secretariat Tuesday.

The assistance has been offered in various forms, including cash, medical aid, food, and rescue efforts.

Cambodia has contributed US$ 100,000 for the relief of the victims.

Indonesia would deploy a 64-member team, equipped with medical supplies, to Japan.

Laos has also provided 100,000 dollars in emergency relief, agreed to set up a national committee to raise more funds and was ready to dispatch personnel.

The Philippines is prepared to deploy a search and rescue contingent.

Singapore has donated 500,000 Singapore dollars (US$ 395,257) to Japan. Meanwhile, a Singaporean rescue team is now in the quake-hit city of Soma in Fukushima prefecture.

Thailand, the world's largest rice exporter, has promised 15,000 tons of rice and over 6.5 million dollars' worth of assistance.

Vietnam, meanwhile, has decided to provide Japan with 200,000 dollars and was ready to send a medical team upon request.

The Cuban government Tuesday offered to send medical and rescue workers to Japan.

Also on Tuesday, the 65th session of the UN General Assembly observed a moment of silence for those killed in Japan's quake and tsunami.