Emergency Aid to the Dominican Republic for Torrential Rain Disaster

May 26, 2004

On May 26 (Wed), the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency assistance in kind (blankets, tents, electric generators, sleeping mats, soap, etc.), equivalent to about 10 million yen, to the Government of the Dominican Republic, which has sustained damage from a torrential rainstorm.
Torrential rains hit mainly the Jimani district in the Dominican Republic near the border with Haiti from May 23 (Sun) to 24 (Mon), causing the Silie River to burst its banks and resulting in 135 persons dead, 239 missing and 12,050 afflicted (as of May 25).
At present, those affected are taking shelter in uncomfortable surroundings as evacuees. The Government of the Dominican Republic has been making rehabilitation efforts, and its state emergency committee requested emergency assistance from abroad on May 25.
The Government of Japan has decided to extend this emergency aid from a humanitarian point of view and taking into account the friendly relations with the Dominican Republic.

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