Taipei: Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday sent his condolences to those impacted by Typhoon Ragasa after the storm killed at least 15 people in Taiwan. In a Mandarin Chinese/Japanese X post, Ishiba said he was "deeply saddened to hear about the devastation caused by Typhoon Ragasa in eastern Taiwan."
According to Focus Taiwan, Ishiba expressed his deepest condolences to the victims, offering sincere sympathy to their families and heartfelt thoughts to all those affected. He noted the recent impact of typhoons and heavy rain in Taiwan, referencing the serious damage caused by torrential rain in southern Taiwan in August. Ishiba expressed hope for a swift return to normal life for the people of Taiwan.
In response to Ishiba's message, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, and Taiwan's top envoy to Japan Lee Yi-yang expressed gratitude for his concern and well wishes. President Lai stated that the government is fully committed to assisting local governments with rescue efforts and post-disaster recovery. He also highlighted the importance of deepening disaster preparedness cooperation with Japan.
Vice President Hsiao thanked the Japanese government and people for their continued friendship, while Lee quoted the saying "A friend in need is a friend indeed," underscoring the strong bond between Taiwan and Japan. Lee emphasized the enduring spiritual connection, or kizuna, between the two nations.
Typhoon Ragasa struck Taiwan earlier this week, causing heavy rain and strong winds. As of Thursday morning, the storm had claimed at least 15 lives in Hualien County, injured 32, and left 31 missing. Most casualties occurred in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, after floodwaters from the Matai'an Creek Barrier Lake surged into the area.
Several foreign representative offices in Taiwan, including those of the United States, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, have extended condolences to those affected by Typhoon Ragasa.