Pentagon authorized up to 35M for humanitarian aid to Japan

The Pentagon confirmed earlier that it was authorized 35 million dollars in initial humanitarian aid to Japan, according to official sources, adding that other measures would be taken to try and put a break on an ever-growing crisis.

In addition, the Pentagon said that a nine-member military team specializing in nuclear science and bio hazards will be advising Japan.

The Pentagon announced that it would allow all dependents of US military personnel to leave Japan's Honshu island, potentially with military assistance, amid concerns about radiation from a crippled nuclear plant.

The Pentagon authorization for the voluntary departure of military families follows a similar order issued late yesterday by the State Department.

Spokesman Colonel Dave Lapan said "thousands" of dependents of US military personnel were eligible to leave with US government reimbursement if they flew on commercial airlines.