The IDF aid delegation to Japan arrived at Minami Sanriku in the Miyagi Prefecture today after traveling a combined 22 hours by plane and bus.

The city where the clinic is being established is attracting many displaced persons and the aid delegation is currently distributing and setting up the necessary medical equipment in order to have the facility operational. The field clinic will feature an intensive care unit, maternity, surgical and pediatric wards; x-ray facilities, a lab, pharmacy and more.

Seven Japanese nationals who speak Hebrew joined the delegation in order to provide translation services and serve as liaisons with the local population. A preliminary meeting was held today between the medical officers of the delegation and the representatives from local medical services. Tomorrow one is scheduled with community leaders.

Radiation levels in the area where the aid delegation has deployed are being followed carefully by experts from the Atomic Energy Commission and by experts from the IDF Medical Corps in order to ensure that there is no danger posed to either delegation members or patients.

As part of its on-the-ground response in Japan, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is partnering with the IDF field clinic by providing some of the needed medical equipment.