Japan earthquake: The search for survivors

Japan has appealed to the international community for help in coping with the disaster.

A British search and rescue team will begin work in Japan today, while China, Australia, Singapore and South Korea are also sending experts to look for survivors.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan said 50,000 troops were joining the rescue effort.

The government said that all military resources available, including personnel, vehicles, aircraft and vessels, had been mobilised for the rescue effort.

Aisling McVeigh reports.