The Self-Defense Forces swung into full action Saturday, less than 24 hours after the most powerful earthquake in the nation's recorded history caused devastating tsunami in northeastern Japan.
All available SDF resources, including personnel, vehicles, aircraft and vessels, were mobilized for rescue and other efforts in areas hit by the quake and tsunami.
At a meeting of the government's antidisaster countermeasure headquarters, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the government would increase the number of SDF personnel detailed for rescue efforts to about 50,000.