MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said no Filipino was among the fatalities in Japan after massive floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains left almost 100 dead and dozens missing.
Citing reports from the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, the agency said Filipinos in the affected areas were advised to heed warnings and evacuate if local authorities order them to do so.
Japanese authorities reported that at least 75 persons have died, more than 40 missing, and tens of thousands were displaced in at least eight western prefectures hit hard by floods and landslides that began last Thursday.
Based on figures from the Japanese Ministry of Justice, the number of Filipinos in the following prefectures as of 2017 are as follows: Hiroshima, 6,891; Okayama, 1,835; Ehime, 1,518; Fukuoka, 4,648; Kyoto, 2,144; Tottori, 530; Saga, 615; Yamaguchi, 1,439; Hyogo, 4,123; and Gifu, 11,363.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano extended sympathies to Japan and the families of the victims.
“We pray for the safe recovery of those who are missing, for consolation for those who have lost loved ones and their homes, and for comfort and relief for the thousands who have been displaced,” he said in a statement.
At the same time, he assured Manila is ready to extend assistance to Tokyo.
“In these difficult times, as rescue and emergency response operations continue, the Philippines stands in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters and remains ready to extend a helping hand.” (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
