Emergency Aid to Mexico for Flood Disaster in Tabasco and Chiapas

November 9, 2007

On November 9 (Fri), the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency relief goods equivalent to about 14 million yen (tents, plastic sheets, blankets, portable water tanks, water purifiers, portable jerry cans and generators) to the Government of the United Mexican States, which has suffered large-scale flood damage in the States of Tabasco and Chiapas.
In Mexico, torrential rains that continued from the end of October, having the banks of seven rivers burst including the Grijalva and the Carizal, have caused floods in 15 cities of the State of Tabasco in the southeastern part of Mexico (80% of the state is under water). Chiapas State also has suffered large-scale landslide disasters. More than one million people were afflicted in these two states.
In these states electricity, water supplies and roads have been cut off and a large number of victims are still stranded in their houses awaiting relief. Schools and other public facilities are under water and agriculture and livestock have been seriously damaged.
The Government of the United Mexican States is now doing its utmost for the relief of the victims, moving them to safe places and providing potable water and food at evacuation shelters. It is also appealing to the international community for solidarity and assistance for the flood victims.
In response to the request from the Government of the United Mexican States, the Government of Japan has decided to extend this emergency assistance in sympathy for the flood victims taking into account the friendly relationship between Japan and Mexico.

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