On the Disastrous Landslide in the Leyte State of the Philippines

February 17, 2006

On Friday 17th February morning, a massive landslide, which rumbled down a mountainside on the southern part of the Leyte island, the Philippines, killed many people and caused huge damages including the destruction of hundreds of homes. A lot of people are also still missing.
Regarding this disaster, Prime Minister Koizumi conveyed his message of sympathy, on behalf of the Japanese government and its people, to express the deepest condolence to the President Arroyo of the Philippines this afternoon. In the same message, he also wishes the early restoration and recovery of the victims.
Foreign Minister Aso also sent his message of sympathy to Foreign Secretary Romuro this afternoon with his regrets and the best wishes of the early recovery and restoration of the victims.
Japan is preparing for appropriate assistances under the coming requests from the Republic of the Philippines, taking into account of the disastrous situation in the south Leyte island.

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