Following the large-scale eruption of a submarine volcano in the South Pacific Ocean, the Ministry of Defense launched two C130 transport aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force on the 20th to support the restoration and reconstruction of the site, and drinking water as emergency relief supplies. Decided to transport.
On the morning of the 20th, the Ministry of Defense held an executive meeting on support for Tonga, and Minister of Defense Kishi said, "I would like to support the victims by making use of the SDF's abundant experience in disaster relief at home and abroad." I ordered the Self-Defense Forces to carry out international emergency relief activities.
And on the 20th, we decided to depart two C130 transport aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force from Komaki base in Aichi prefecture and transport drinking water as emergency relief supplies.
The transport plane is to head to Australia first because the airport in Tonga cannot be used due to the accumulation of volcanic ash on the runway.
In addition, as soon as relief supplies such as a high-pressure washer to remove volcanic ash are ready, they will be transported by the Maritime Self-Defense Force's transport ship "Osumi" equipped with two helicopters, as well as grasping the damage situation and coordinating communication with related countries. Therefore, we have set up an information gathering base in Australia and will dispatch six SDF personnel from the 20th.
Minister Kishi told reporters, "The Ministry of Defense will work as one to help the people of Tonga affected by the disaster."