MANILA, Philippines – Japanese Prime Minister Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru conveyed his message of condolences to the victims of Super Typhoon Kristine and is “deeply saddened” to learn about the massive damage and flooding caused by the typhoon.
In a news release from the Embassy of Japan in Manila, it mentioned that Ishiba extended his message of sympathy and support to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., saying Japan “fully understands the hardship caused by severe damages of typhoons.”
“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,” Prime Minister Ishiba said.
“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 added.
Ishiba also emphasized Japan’s readiness to extend assistance to those who are severely affected by the typhoon.
“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. Japan always stands with the Philippines in overcoming this time of difficulties,” Ishiba reiterated.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. IWAYA Takeshi also conveyed his message of condolences to Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, by saying he is “sincerely praying” 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,” Iwaya said.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the government of the Philippines and its people on the damages resulting from the typhoon that hit the vast areas of the Philippines,” Iwaya added.
The Government of Japan stands with the government of the Philippines and its people, and is ready to provide [the] all possible assistance to the Philippines, the Japanese official mentioned.
Japan “steadfast partner” of Philippines in disaster response
Just this September, officials from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) made a courtesy call at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, with the commitment of bolstering its partnership with the Philippine government, particularly with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
During the meeting, topics discussed included earthquake and volcanic eruption monitoring and early warning systems, standard operating procedures for disaster response, evacuation plans and ongoing efforts to improve disaster preparedness.
The Japanese officials made the courtesy call during the Japan-Philippines Humanitarian And Disaster Response Cooperation Project 2024.
Combined effects of Tropical Cyclone Kristine and Leon
According to latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), affected families already reached 1,892,226 due to the combined effects of Typhoons Kristine and Leon, while there are 150 reported casualties, 14 of which are already validated by the agency.
Meanwhile, 115 persons were reported injured, 10 of which already validated; while 29 cases of missing persons were reported.
A total of 26,609 persons were pre-emptively evacuated in Regions 1, 2, 3, MIMAROPA, Region 6, 8, 9, and CARAGA due to the combined effects of Typhoons Kristine and Leon.
