Several UN agencies are working with the Japanese government based on their areas of expertise.
The UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team has dispatched seven people to Japan to assist in an advisory role and to verify and disseminate information – an atypical role for them, but the best one in this situation because Japan’s disaster relief infrastructure is functioning well without them, according to the team’s press release. They will conduct a reconnaissance mission March 16.
The International Atomic Energy Agency and World Health Organization are also in contact with Japanese officials.
The International Federation of the Red Cross is on the ground, prepared to coordinate help from other countries’ Red Cross societies and provide support and assistance to the Japanese Red Cross. The World Food Program is also working alongside the Japanese Red Cross to assist with securing and distributing supplies.
