Los Angeles relief and rescue agencies were preparing to head to Japan to provide assistance in the wake of the 8.9 earthquake that struck the region.
Task Force 2 from the Los Angeles County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue team was mobilizing at its Pacoima facility and plans to fly out of LAX once plans are finalized, according to the Daily News.
International Medical Corps was also planning to send relief teams. The LA-based organization has responded to emergencies in more than 50 countries, including the 2005 Pakistan earthquake, 2010 Haiti quake and Pakistan floods, according to the Daily News.
"We are putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities," Nancy Aossey, president and CEO of the IMC, told the Daily News.
The magnitude 8.9 earthquake hit Japan's northeast coast Friday afternoon, creating a 23-foot tsunami that swept people, boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland.
