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News > Questions about the earthquake response?
Questions about the earthquake response?

Posted 3/12/2011   Updated 3/12/2011 Email story   Print story

    


374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

3/12/2011 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- We will post the most current information for families in the U.S. to our "Straight Talk Line". To dial commercially from the U.S. to Yokota, dial 011-81-31175 ext 5-2100, or DSN 225-2100.

Also, please post on questions here and we will try our best to answer them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What happened?
A1. Yokota Air Base experienced an earthquake measuring 5.0 in magnitude here, March 11 at approximately 2:50 p.m. local time. The quake, which measured 8.9 in magnitude at its epicenter, caused widespread damage across Japan. Yokota is helping to posture personnel, aircraft and equipment on mainland Japan in order to quickly respond to requests for search and rescue assistance.

Q2. What support is Yokota providing?
A2. Yokota is receiving U.S. and international personnel and aircraft to support search and rescue efforts as requested by the government of Japan. Yokota is also ready to support further missions as required.

Q3. Is Yokota in any danger from the situation at the Fukushima nuclear facility?
A3. At this time there is no danger to Yokota. Base officials will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of our residents. Base residents are advised to stay tuned to the Commanders Access Channel and AFN Eagle 810 for the latest information.

Q4. Who should non-military-affiliated U.S. citizens living around Yokota contact in the event of an emergency?
A4. Non-military-affiliated US citizens should contact the U.S. embassy in Japan. Visit http://japan.usembassy.gov/index.html for more information.

Q5. How can people reach friends and family members stationed at Yokota?
A5. At this time we have no reports of injured base personnel. Servicemembers are being advised to make contact with friends and families back home. Due to limited local phone service, base personnel should use e-mail and social media to make contact.

Q6. What's the status of the commercial aircraft that were diverted to Yokota follow the quake?
A6. All commercial aircraft diverted to Yokota have safely departed.

Q7. Has airline transportation to Japan stopped?
A7. Flights have resumed to and from Japanese airports. Flights were never stopped at Yokota.

Q8. Did Yokota facilities sustain any damage in the quake?
A8. There were reports of minor damage, however, all facilities on Yokota, to include residential towers, are safe to occupy. Should we receive aftershocks, you can be assured our structures are earthquake resistant.

Q9. How can I volunteer?
A9. At this time, the Yokota Red Cross is not in need of volunteers, but if individuals would like to be put on the list (up until 12 p.m. today), they can call 225-7638 and give their name and contact information. If the Red Cross needs volunteers, they will call them. We'll keep everyone updated, should the call for additional volunteers arise.

Q10. How can people reach friends and family members stationed at Yokota or other areas of Japan?
A10. Servicemembers have been advised to make contact with friends and families back home. Due to limited local phone service, personnel should use E-mail, Skype, and social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, to make contact.

Additionally, the American Red Cross Safe and Well website is available help families connect during emergencies. To register yourself or search for a loved one on the secure website, visit www.redcross.org and from a smartphone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell or from any other phone, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for information on how to register.

Q11. Is there anything we can do to help the Japanese people?
A11. Contact your local or regional humanitarian assistance organization to see how you can help.

Q12. How do individuals contact U.S. citizens who are living or traveling in Japan?
A12. Contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (888) 407-4747 or (202) 647-5225.



tabComments
3/13/2011 8:52:00 PM ET
It appears some folks on Yokota are already starting to hoard gasoline. Will the supply of gasoline to the AAFES's stations be disrupted for extended periods
Herm, Yokota Air Base
 
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