Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Japanese government says it is prepared to provide “as much assistance as possible” to Myanmar in response to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the center of the country on Friday, a situation that demands urgent attention.

“Given the damage in Myanmar, the Japanese government is prepared to provide all possible support. We are currently assessing the needs on the ground, security conditions, and access to affected areas to determine how best to assist. As a first step, we are coordinating the immediate provision of supplies, including (specific items such as food, water, and medical supplies),” the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo said.

The Ministry stressed that Japan “remains committed to standing with the people of Myanmar and will continue to provide its support,” a reassurance of the long-term commitment to the recovery and rebuilding process.

International organizations and several governments, including the United States and Russia, have offered to support the affected areas and send rescue teams, which the Myanmar government has welcomed. The United Nations announced it would contribute $5 million from its fund. Rescue teams have already arrived in Myanmar from China, India, and Russia.

The Myanmar National Airlines announced that it will provide free transportation of relief supplies and medicines to the people.

As for the damage, more than 80 religious and historic buildings, including mosques, pagodas, Buddhist temples and monasteries were destroyed in the Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyitaw and Bago regions, as well as Shan State, as a result of the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday, according to the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).

The NUG said the destruction of the structures represented a significant loss of cultural and historical heritage for the nation.

Sources said tens of mosques collapsed during Friday prayers and funerals were held for some of those who lost their lives there.

Meanwhile, people from Myanmar living in Japan are anxious about the news from their home country.

Mahema, director of the NPO Japan Myanmar Culture Center (JMCC), told the Mainichi newspaper that people in the affected areas are asking for water because it is hot and there are not enough doctors or medicines.

Tanda, from Mandalay, said: “There are fires everywhere. Everyone in Myanmar is asking for help and wants to tell the world about the current situation. I can’t get in touch with my parents.”