Manila: The international community has rallied behind the Philippines, pouring in messages of sympathy and offers of assistance following a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on Monday. Key allies and global partners, including Japan, France, China, Canada, Australia, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the European Union, expressed solidarity with the Filipino people as recovery efforts begin.
According to Philippines News Agency, Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi extended her deepest condolences, affirming Tokyo's readiness to dispatch aid. She expressed sorrow over the damage caused, including the collapse of buildings, and assured that Japan is prepared to provide necessary assistance based on local needs, reiterating Japan's steadfast support for the Philippines.
The French Embassy in Manila also conveyed its grief over the casualties and destruction recorded in the aftermath of the tremor. They extended condolences to the victims' families and expressed full solidarity with the Filipino people and authorities responding to the disaster.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila sent messages of solidarity to the affected families, mourning those who lost their lives and extending condolences to the bereaved families. Meanwhile, Canadian officials expressed their support, specifically noting the hard-hit areas in southern Mindanao, with Canadian Ambassador David Hartman affirming their readiness to assist.
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke assured the Philippines of Germany's continued support throughout the disaster response phase, extending sympathies to the victims and communities affected. EU envoy Massimo Santoro also expressed solidarity with local responders and the people of Mindanao.
In a separate statement, the Czech Embassy extended comforting thoughts to the injured, displaced, and grieving citizens. Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown joined the diplomatic community in expressing condolences and wishing for a quick recovery for the affected communities in Mindanao.
