The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has pledged Japan’s “full assistance” to the Philippines in response to the extensive devastation caused recently by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami).
Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed this commitment in a message of sympathy sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 29.
“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,” he expressed to President Marcos.
“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.
The Japanese leader emphasized that Tokyo “fully understands” the hardships faced by the Philippines, a country frequently in the path of severe storms. “Japan is ready to provide all possible assistance to the Philippines. Like the Philippines, we fully understand the hardship caused by severe damage of typhoons. Japan always stands with the Philippines in overcoming this time of difficulties,” he said.
The death toll from the combined impacts of Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon has risen to 139, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s latest report on Wednesday. So far, 14 fatalities have been verified, with nine in Bicol, two in Central Luzon, two in Cordillera, and one in Northern Mindanao.
An additional 125 deaths are under validation—72 in Calabarzon, 46 in the Bicol Region, five in Central Visayas, and two in the Zamboanga Peninsula.