LOC13:32
10:32 GMT
LONDON, March 12 (KUNA) -- Japan has requested help from the UK in the aid
effort after the magnitude 8.9 earthquake hit the country yesterday, a British
Foreign Office spokesman said Saturday.
Earlier, Britain has offered assistance to Japan after the massive
earthquake which triggered a tsunami.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said the UK could help with humanitarian
assistance or search and rescue teams. There were no known British casualties,
he said.
The Foreign Office has advised against all non-essential travel to Tokyo
and the north-east of the country.
The UK Queen has sent a message of sympathy to the people of Japan.
Buckingham Palace said she had expressed her sadness at the "tragic loss of
life" to Emperor Akihito.
Prince Charles, the Heir to the throne, also wrote to the emperor to say
the news had come as a great shock.
Prime Minister David Cameron also offered the Japanese people his
condolences and said "we stand ready to help in any way that we can".
The earthquake hit the north-east of Japan at 1446 local time (0546 GMT) on
Friday, triggering a tsunami.
Hundreds are known to have died so far but the death toll is expected to
rise significantly.
Meanwhile, in a warehouse in a remote corner of Cornwall, south west
England, aid is being packed to be sent to Japan.
Search and rescue teams from the UK - International Rescue Corps and Rapid
UK - say they are on standby having both formally offered their services.
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said they were on four
hours' notice to fly to the disaster zone.
"It is clear Japan has some of the most sophisticated search and rescue
people in the world, but if we are asked for any technical or additional
support, then of course we will give it," he told the BBC Radio. (end)
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KUNA 121332 Mar 11NNNN