Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama extended a helping hand to Japan on Friday as hundreds of people were dead and additional hundreds were missing after a devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami. "I offer our Japanese friends whatever assistance is needed," he said during a news conference. "Today's events remind us how fragile life can be." Obama said Friday that the main U.S. assistance to Japan for now would probably be "lift capacity" in the form of heavy equipment to help clean up damaged infrastructure. The U.S. government is taking inventory of how many military personnel are in Japan to provide help, he said, adding that American citizens in Japan will also receive assistance.
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NEW: Obama says U.S. is monitoring Japanese power plant for radiation leaks
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NEW: U.S. is sending coolant in case any nuclear reactors leak
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Navy ships are headed to Japan to help in relief effort
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No American casualties are reported; State Department sets up phone, e-mail information
So we're really deeply involved in trying to do as much as we can on behalf of the Japanese and on behalf of @placeholder citizens," she said.