LOC21:19
18:19 GMT
WASHINGTON, March 11 (KUNA) -- Responding to the devastating earthquake in
Japan, President Barack Obama on Friday noted that the United States currently
has an aircraft carrier in Japan, "and another is on its way."
"We also have a ship en route to the Marianas Islands to assist as needed,"
Obama said in opening remarks at a White House press conference.
The US Defense Department is working to account for all US military
personnel in Japan, US embassy personnel in Tokyo have moved to an off-site
location, and the US State Department is working to account for and assist all
American citizens in Japan, the President said.
So far, Japan has not seen evidence of radiation leaks among its nuclear
plants, and if there are breaches in the safety systems of those plants, the
United States will offer appropriate assistance right away, he said.
Tsunami warnings have been issued across the Pacific, and initial waves
from the tsunami came ashore on Guam and other US territories, in Alaska and
Hawaii, and along the US West Coast, he noted.
"Here in the United States there has not been any major damage so far, but
we are taking this very seriously, and we are monitoring the situation very
closely," Obama said. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is fully
activated and coordinating with state and local officials to support these
regions as necessary, he said.
"And let me just stress that if people are told to evacuate, do as you are
told," the President said.
"Today's events remind us of just how fragile life can be," he said. "Our
hearts go out to our friends in Japan and across the region, and we are going
to stand with them as they recover and rebuild from this tragedy."
The 8.8 earthquake is "a potentially catastrophic disaster, and the images
of destruction and flooding coming out of Japan are simply heartbreaking,"
Obama said. "First and foremost, our thoughts and our prayers are with the
people of Japan." (pickup previous)
rm.bs
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