Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru vowed to provide possible assistance to the victims of Typhoon Kristine in the Philippines, citing Japan’s experiences with damages caused by natural disasters.
Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru (Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool photo via AP)
In a statement, Ishiba and Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi sent their condolences to the Filipino people through President Marcos.
They also said Japan is ready to provide any possible assistance needed by the Philippines as it reels from the devastation caused by “Kristine”.
“I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news that many precious lives were lost, many people are still missing and serious damages were brought in the vast areas of the Philippines due to the typhoon Kristine,” the Prime Minister’s statement read.
As of Thursday, Oct. 31, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that 150 have died due to Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon.
“On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and express my sympathy to those who were affected,” Ishiba said.
“Japan is ready to provide the all possible assistance to the Philippines. Like the Philippines, we fully understand the hardship caused by severe damages of typhoons,” he added.
Japan, the Prime Minister stressed, “always stands” with the Philippines “in overcoming this time of difficulties.”
Likewise, Iwaya condoled with the families of the victims and expressed hope for the “speedy recovery” of those affected.
“I express my heartfelt condolences to the victims and bereaved families, and I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration on the affected areas,” he said in the same statement.
Kristine battered Luzon region on Oct. 22, submerging vast swamps of land, including public infrastructure and private establishments.
Combined with Leon, the severe tropical storm affected 7,494,023 people or 1,892,226 families in 17 regions.
A total of P6,390,160,298 worth of damages to infrastructure was reported and P2,867,718,759 worth of agricultural damages were monitored, the NDRRMC said.