By Florenda Corpuz
TOKYO – The Japanese government said it is prepared to provide assistance to the Philippines after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30.
The tremor, centered in Bogo City, killed 70 people and injured 559, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported as of Oct. 4. The quake affected 457,554 people, some of whom are staying in evacuation centers. No one is reported missing.
“I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news that many precious lives were lost and serious damages were brought in the vast areas of central Philippines due to the earthquake offshore of Cebu Province,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in a condolence message to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Oct. 1.
“On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and express my sympathy to their families and to all those affected,” he added, assuring that Japan stands with the Philippines in overcoming this difficult time.
Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also conveyed his sympathies to Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro.
“I am deeply saddened to learn the news that precious lives were lost, and serious damages were brought by the earthquake that struck central Philippines,” Iwaya said. “I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and express my sympathy to their families. I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration on the affected areas.”
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo also expressed solidarity with the earthquake victims.
In a Facebook post by Cebu Province, more than 30 Japanese nationals studying English at the University of San Carlos helped repack relief goods at a warehouse in Cebu City on Oct. 2.
Cebu is a popular destination for Japanese tourists and other visitors studying English.
