UN to do everything to help Japan: Ban

Images from the country's eastern coast showed cars,boats and homes being swept away.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday said the global body will “do everything” to help Japan,where a 8.9 magnitude earthquake triggered a destructive tsunami that killed over 300 people.

“Japan is one of the most generous and strongest benefactors,coming to the assistance of those in need the world over,” Ban said.

“In that spirit,the United Nations stands by the people of Japan and we will do anything and everything we can at this very difficult time,” he added.

Story continues below this ad

Images from the country’s eastern coast showed cars,boats and homes being swept away.

“I sincerely hope that under the leadership of Prime Minister Kan Naoto and the full support and solidarity of the international community,the Japanese people and government will be able to overcome this difficult time as soon as possible,” Ban said.

When asked what specifically UN would do,Ban said,”we will talk with our Humanitarian Coordinator’s office and we will do all to mobilise humanitarian assistance and disaster risk reduction teams as soon as possible.” Meanwhile,Tsunami waves spread across the Pacific Ocean and hit Hawaii.

Other parts of the US,including California,Oregon and Alaska are also bracing for waves.