Japan to donate $2 million to wildfire recovery efforts
Japan will donate $2 million toward wildfire relief efforts in Southern California, officials said Wednesday.
“In response to the devastating damage caused by the wildfires in California, Japan has decided to provide a total of 2 million U.S. dollars of assistance through the American Red Cross, as a relief measure for the victims of the disaster,” the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles said in a statement.
“Japan will actively provide assistance for the relief of the victims and the earliest possible recovery of the affected areas,” the consulate said.
On Monday, Consul General Kenko Sone relayed his condolences to those impacted by the wildfires.
"A heartbreaking and tragic week has passed since the Palisades and Eaton Fires started on January 7th. Struggles continue. The devastation and challenges are beyond our imagination,'' Sone wrote. "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires...Even under such difficult circumstances, it is encouraging to see so many organizations, volunteers, and individuals donating food, supplies and time to help with ongoing efforts. The perseverance and resilience of Angelenos is amazing and what the City of Angels represents.
"Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles is now working with Japanese and Japanese American businesses and communities to join these relief efforts. Japan is a nation that has experienced natural disasters and we are thankful for the generous support supplied by Southern California when it was needed the most. We stand with you all to support immediate needs and will do our best to collaborate with authorities, communities, and all of you to rebuild communities devastated by the fires,'' the message continued.
Posted by Louis Casiano
