The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) expressed sympathies with the government of Japan on Tuesday, Sept. 24, in light of the devastating floods and landslides that struck the country's center.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss and suffering experienced by the people of Japan during this catastrophic event,” OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement.
According to the OCD, the heavy rains that have pounded the region, recording over 540 millimeters (21 inches) in the city of Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture over just 72 hours, have been described as the most significant continuous rainfall in decades.
The recent disaster claimed at least seven lives, the OCD said, with many others injured and missing as rescuers continue to search through the debris-strewn banks of a river.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with our neighbors and are ready to offer support in any way we can,” Nepomuceno said.
Similarly, the OCD administrator said that the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather events and the importance of being prepared.
He then urged all Filipinos to learn from Japan’s situation and take the moment to prioritize disaster preparedness.
“As we witness the impact of natural hazards around the world, it is crucial that we, too, prepare ourselves and our communities. We must ensure that we have emergency plans in place, sufficient supplies, and a strong awareness of the risks we face in our own country,” he said.
Like Japan, the Philippines has been drenched in the past couple of weeks due to four consecutive storms namely “Ferdie,” “Gener”, Helen” and “Igme” which enhanced the effects of the southwest monsoon or “habagat”.
Habagat and the four cyclones killed 25 people and affected 1.4 million individuals in 13 regions.
The OCD reiterated its commitment to enhancing the country’s disaster resilience and response capabilities across the nation.
“We encourage every Filipino to engage in community preparedness activities and to stay informed about potential risks and safety measures,” it said.