Emergency relief supplies provided by JICA to support the areas hit by the earthquake in Panama's Azuero region arrived in the country and were handed over to the Panamanian government.
The supplies arrived at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City on October 20, and a handover ceremony was held at the airport from just after 11:00. Attendees included the First Lady and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Panamanian side, and Japan's Chargé d'Affaires and the head of JICA's Panama Office.
At the ceremony, the Vice Minister expressed deep gratitude for Japan's swift assistance and said the supplies would be delivered promptly to affected people in the severely damaged Azuero region. The supplies will be delivered to survivors by the Panamanian government.
Key points
- Shows the path from the earthquake to supplies arriving and being handed over
- Officials from both the Panamanian and Japanese sides attended the ceremony
- The supplies will be delivered to survivors by the Panamanian government
Why this news matters
When a major disaster strikes overseas, it is often hard to see what assistance Japan provides. This announcement shows international emergency relief being handed over to the local government.
Recovery will continue for a long time. Knowing about relief efforts helps us think about events in faraway countries as our own concern.
Editor's comment
Support does not end when supplies arrive. We hope life returns to normal for the people affected in Panama as soon as possible.
Please keep an eye on international emergency relief efforts.