Following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunamis that devastated areas of northeast Japan on Friday (March 11) afternoon, a chartered helicopter with two MSF teams has landed in Miyagi prefecture.  

The team is travelling to the medical coordination centre in the worst-affected area in Sendai city, Miyagi prefecture.

The team comprises medical and logistical staff and includes Dr. Nobuko Kurosaki, MSF-Japan President, a pediatric surgeon.

Three more helicopter flights are scheduled to leave with additional MSF teams early Sunday morning.

All MSF staff will work in coordination with the Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) and will assess further needs to see if the situation requires larger intervention by MSF.