7.6 Magnitude Rocks Central Japan

The US will begin leveraging its military logistics system to provide aid to the embattled regions affected by Japan’s recent 7.6 New Years’ earthquake, according to promises from Ambassador Rahm Emanuel.

The death toll has neared 100 as the damage is surveyed and missing persons are accounted for. The US military is always up for a humanitarian mission, however, and food, logistics, and supplies are on their way soon.

“A true friend shows up when times are good but more importantly when times are challenging,” he tweeted. “Theis here to support our friend and ally in its earthquake response. We will stand with Japan every day forward and stand by their side on their path to recovery and rebuilding.”

Another tweet was not greeted so warmly. Emanuel said “In the face of adversity, the US stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Japan. Following the devastating earthquake, we’re swiftly responding with a $100,000 aid package through Peace Winds Japan. Our enduring alliance commits us to Japan’s recovery every day, every way, and every step of the way.”

The middling amount of aid listed was seen as a pittance given the large sums so often thrown around by the US abroad. When headlines often measure yankee donations in the tens of billions of US dollars, it’s understandable that those in the lurch are disappointed with a year’s salary. On the bright side, the $100,000 will buy a whole lot of blankets and water for the charity, though the ‘medical supplies’ portion will likely eat up a lot of that funding pretty quick.

FMI: www.defense.gov