Mr Shoigu said that two Emergencies Ministry rescue teams departed for Japan on Sunday evening. The first team left on board an Il-76 aircraft from Ramenskoye Airport in the Moscow Region. As well as the 50 rescuers, the aircraft was transporting three rescue vehicles, and all of the necessary equipment for carrying out rescue work.
The second team of 25 rescuers, taking with them one rescue vehicle, flew from Khabarovsk on board a Mi-26 helicopter.
Mr Shoigu said that more rescuers and equipment are ready to be sent to Japan if the Japanese authorities request any further aid.