Emergency Aid to the Republic of Bolivia for Torrential Rain Disaster

January 30, 2008

On January 30 (Wed), the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency relief goods (tents, sleeping mats and blankets) worth approximately 13 million yen to the Republic of Bolivia, which sustained a torrential rain disaster.
In the Republic of Bolivia, torrential rain has been continuing since the beginning of this year, and flooding from major rivers is spreading throughout the country. According to the announcement by the Government of Bolivia (as of January 29 local time), it has affected 32,000 families (approximately 192,000 people) and killed 39 people. Many roads are impassable and vast agricultural areas are under water. It is expected that the damage will continue to expand.
The evacuees are forced to live under difficult conditions in shelters in many areas, and the Government of Bolivia has requested emergency aid from Japan, while striving to recover from the damage by using their own resources.
In response to the request of the Government of Bolivia, the Government of Japan decided to provide this emergency assistance from a humanitarian standpoint for the disaster-affected population and in view of the friendly relations between Japan and Bolivia.

(END)