The Japanese government on Monday vowed to provide assistance to the Philippine government after two consecutive deadly incidents during Christmas holidays hit the country.
Japan said that it is ready to help those who are affected by the tropical storm Vinta and New City Commercial Center (NCCC) Davao City mall fire.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a statement expressed sympathy and willingness to extend assistance and provision of emergency relief goods “to the maximum extend possible”.
“Japan stands with the Philippines in overcoming this time of difficulties. Japan is ready to provide assistance needed by your country including provision of emergency relief goods to the maximum extent possible and sincerely pray that the affected areas will recover as quickly as possible,” Abe said in a statement.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 164 people were dead and 171 remain missing after the deadliest cyclone, tropical storm Vinta, struck the country.
Meanwhile, firefighters have recovered 37 bodies belonging to employees of an American call center who were trapped by the massive fire that blazed the entire NCCC mall in Davao City.
Abe also expressed concern over the lives lost and other serious damages brought on by the two tragedies.
“I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news that many precious lives were lost and serious damages were brought, including collapsed houses, forcing many people to evacuate, in your home region of Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines due to the recent typhoon,” the Prime Minister 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, I would also like to convey my sincere condolences on the fire in Davao City which caused many casualties” he added.