A Japanese search and rescue team searches the rubble near a high-rise building in Wakuya, Japan after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the area.

A primary force consisting of three officers led by Col. Dr. Ariel Bar, Commander of the Home Front Medical Division left for the disaster zone in Japan. The mission’s goal is to assess the extent of medical assistance needed by the Japanese government.

The force left for the disaster zone at the request of the Japanese government, equipped with all the necessary protective equipment in light of the current situation in the country.

The Home Front Command held an assessment meeting this evening led by the GOC of the Home Front Command Maj. Gen. Yair Golan in order to prepare the humanitarian mission to dispatch in coordination with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.