MANILA (June 9) — Governments and international leaders have expressed sympathy and support for the Philippines following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday, June 8, as rescue and assessment operations continue across affected areas.
Messages of solidarity poured in from neighboring countries and global partners, many offering assistance to help communities recover from the disaster.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan stands ready to provide any assistance the Philippines may require as authorities assess the extent of the damage.
“Japan stands ready to provide all possible assistance that the Philippines may need,” Takaichi said, reaffirming her country’s longstanding friendship with the Filipino people.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te likewise extended support, saying Taiwan is prepared to help in recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Our thoughts are with the people of the Philippines,” Lai said, expressing hope for the swift recovery of affected communities.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“India stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Philippines,” Modi said.
Diplomatic missions and international organizations also conveyed their readiness to assist.
The United States Embassy in the Philippines said it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Philippine authorities.
“We stand ready to support Philippine-led response efforts,” the embassy said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations in the Philippines said it is working with government agencies and humanitarian partners to assess the earthquake’s impact and provide support for response and recovery efforts.
European allies also shared messages of sympathy.
The Embassy of Germany in Manila extended its condolences to victims and affected communities, while the Embassy of France in the Philippines expressed full solidarity with the Filipino people and authorities responding to the disaster.
Foreign ambassadors stationed in Manila joined the outpouring of support.
Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown conveyed condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Japan’s ambassador to the Philippines also offered prayers for the safety of residents, particularly those living in coastal provinces of Mindanao and neighboring areas affected by the earthquake.
The messages of support underscore the strong international partnerships maintained by the Philippines and the global community’s willingness to assist as Mindanao begins the long process of recovery and rebuilding after one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in recent years.
