Secretary-General Says United Nations Stands Ready to Help Japan Recover from Powerful Earthquakes that Left 40 Dead, Thousands Displaced

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General’s thoughts are with the people of Japan in the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes that struck Kumamoto Province on 14 and 16 April, killing over 40 people and displacing some 110,000 from their homes.

The Secretary-General sends his deepest condolences to the people and Government of Japan and to all affected communities, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.  He commends the Government, emergency responders and other civil society organizations who are sparing no efforts to help people in need and to restore essential services.

Japan is globally recognized for its generosity in supporting humanitarian response in many parts of the world.  The United Nations stands ready to provide assistance should it be requested.