This morning, the Virginia Task Force 1 rescue team from Fairfax County returned from helping with USAID efforts in Japan. Despite a week’s worth of searching, earthquake damage and weather conditions proved too extensive to find survivors around the seaport city of Ofunato. Previously we linked to this video, released by the Department of Defense, of the search and rescuers laboring through rubble and helping with recovery efforts. There’s no doubt that these team members spared no effort in looking for survivors, and at least they are back safe and sound.

According to WTOP, over $145,000 worth of gear, supplies and vehicles was left behind for the continuing effort. The Embassy of Japan has setup a website with information of agencies collecting donations.