Emergency Aid to Colombia for Earthquake Disaster Relief

January 28, 1999

On January 27 (Wed.), the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency aid materials (tents, blankets, small water tanks, electricity generators, towels and others) worth about 25,650,000 yen and an emergency grant aid of 400,000 dollars to the Republic of Colombia, which has sustained great damage from a large-scale earthquake
An earthquake registering 6 on the Richter Scale hit western Colombia on January 25 (Mon.) at 1:19 p.m. (Japan time: January 26, 3:19 a.m.). The seismic center was located about 180 km west of Bogota, the capital. The earthquake has caused immense human and material damage including the collapsed buildings. As of 3:00 p.m. January 26 (Japan time: 5:00 p.m., 27), local reports indicated that at least 700 people were dead and about 2,000 injured; ordinary citizens are also cooperating in rescue operations to save residents who are still buried under the collapsed buildings. While conducting relief operations of its own, the Government of Colombia has requested emergency assistance from the Japanese Government.
Taking into account the seriousness of the disaster and the friendly relations between Japan and Colombia, the Government of Japan decided to extend this emergency assistance.
Concerning Japan's emergency assistance to earthquake-stricken Colombia, a Japan Disaster Relief Team (Rescue Team), dispatched on the 26th, arrived in Bogota, the capital, at 9:05 p.m. (local time: 7:05 a.m.) on the 27th and will shortly start rescue operations. Another Japan Disaster Relief Team (Medical Team) left Narita at 11:00 a.m. on the 28th to conduct medical rescue operations in the disaster area.

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