Japan earthquakes: U.S. Marines launch disaster relief teams

An undisclosed number of U.S. Marines are assisting emergency crews in southern Japan after two deadly earthquakes have plunged the region into chaos.

At least four MV-22 Ospreys — with four others on standby — have joined the relief effort, according to a news release distributed by the U.S. military on Sunday. The aircraft are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, which is part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The powerful earthquakes struck southern Japan’s Kumamoto region on Thursday and again on Saturday, leveling homes and other buildings, and cutting off electricity, water and other basic services throughout several towns and villages.

Up to 40 people are dead, according to the Marine Corps’ news release. Hundreds more are injured, some very seriously.

It is unclear how many still are trapped in the rubble, but tens of thousands have been displaced.

Read More- Military Times

Image courtesy of Marine Corps