Emergency Assistance to the Republic of Burundi in response to the heavy rain in Bujumbura

TOKYO, Japan, February 18, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — 1. On Monday February 17, the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency relief goods worth 12 million yen (plastic sheets and blankets) to the Republic of Burundi, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

2. On Sunday February 9, heavy rain attacked Bujumbura, capital city of the Republic of Burundi. The Government of the Republic of Burundi reported, as of February 14, that 77 persons were dead, 180 persons were wounded, and 5,000 houses were collapsed because of this disaster. According to the UN Office in Burundi, as of February 12, about 20,000 people are affected.

3. In response to the request from the Government of the Republic of Burundi, the Government of Japan has decided to provide emergency assistance for the victims from a humanitarian point of view as well as in light of friendly relations between the two countries. On February 14, Foreign Minister Kishida also sent a condolence message to Mr. Kavakure, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi.