ISLAMABAD: The emergency relief goods, tents, and plastic sheets sent by government of Japan were handed over to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) by. Kinoshita Yasumitsu, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Pakistan Office, in the presence of Odagiri Toshio, Consul-General of Japan in Karachi, at the Jinnah International Airport Karachi.
On August 29, the Government of Japan has decided to provide these goods
through JICA, based on a request from the Government of Pakistan to the
Government of Japan. The first batch of the goods which was handed over
earlier on August 31 were distributed in Balochistan province.
Mr Odagiri stated that Japan is deeply saddened by the widespread damage in
Pakistan caused by the unprecedented flooding, which has surpassed even the
devastating floods of 2010 and hope that these goods will be of some help to
the victims.
In addition, he mentioned that there is a high demand for food, water, and
medicine in the affected areas, and the United Nations has issued an appeal
for assistances. Therefore, the Government of Japan will continue to work
closely with the Government of Pakistan, and the Embassy of Japan, the
Consulate-General of Japan, and JICA will cooperate with each other to
respond to the situation.
Mr. KINOSHITA expressed his sincere condolences to the grieving families who
have lost precious lives and their loved ones. He said “Japan has also
experienced various disasters in the past.
Entire JICA family is with you in this most difficult time. JICA has decades
old partnership with the government of Pakistan in disaster management. With
the partnership of JICA, the Government of Pakistan prepared its first ever
disaster management plan in year 2012, which currently is in the process of
revision for next 10 years. JICA is committed to support relief, recovery,
and rehabilitation effort of the Government of Pakistan with the motto of
‘Build Back Better’.” He also mentioned his heartfelt respect to the
dedication and contribution of NDMA to overcome this catastrophe.
Muhammad Muazzam Zaman, Representative of NDMA explained the situation in
various areas affected by the disaster and the ongoing relief efforts by the
Pakistani government, and stated that they are grateful for Japan’s
assistance and will make sure that the supplies will be delivered to the
victims.
