Malaysia Extends Condolences To Victims Of Japan Floods

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) – Malaysia has extended its heartfelt condolences to the victims and families affected by the devastating floods and landslides in western Japan. In relaying the message on behalf of the government and the people of Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said she was deeply grieved about the high death toll. It was reported that at least 155 people had died in the catastrophe – the highest death toll caused by rainfall that Japan had seen in more than three decades. "As a long-standing friend of Japan and as a country that is prone to floods during the monsoon season, Malaysia feels deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives and property caused by floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in western Japan," she said. Dr Wan Azizah also hoped that those still missing would be located swiftly. Malaysia, she said, was ready to extend any assistance Japan might require during this difficult period. She expressed confidence that the people of Japan would get over this tragedy. It was reported that since last Thursday, parts of western Japan had received three times the usual rainfall for the whole of July and that about two million people had been evacuated from the region after rivers burst their banks. -- BERNAMA