Emergency Assistance to the Republic of Panama for Torrential Rain Disaster

November 27, 2008

On November 27 (Thu), the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency relief goods (blankets, sleeping pads) equivalent to about 10 million yen to the Republic of Panama, which has suffered from a disaster caused by the recent torrential rains.
In Panama, the torrential rains from November 21 caused disastrous overflowing of rivers and landslides in Bocas del Toro Province, Ngobe-Bugle District, and Colon and Chriqui Provinces. According to the report of the Government of Panama, as of November 25 (local time), the disaster has left 7 dead, 8 missing, 6,488 affected, and 1152 houses destroyed. The prolonged heavy rains are expected to further increase the number of victims.
　The situation in the affected areas is serious at present. The transportation systems are damaged at various places by floods and landslides, and the large number of victims are suffering from the shortage of food, drinking water and shelter. While making utmost efforts to assist the affected people, the Government of Panama has requested emergency assistance to the Government of Japan.
The Government of Japan decided to extend this emergency assistance as humanitarian relief to the victims of the disaster, as well as in light of the friendly relations between Japan and the Republic of Panama.

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