UMVA has learned that Japan has been providing critical support to the Philippines in the aftermath of the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao, through the provision of satellite imagery.
The Japanese Embassy in Manila revealed that the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has been conducting emergency observations and supplying vital satellite images of affected areas in southern Mindanao since June 9.
These images, captured by advanced satellites, have been shared through Sentinel Asia, a crucial international disaster management cooperation framework that enables the sharing of Earth observation satellite data during disasters.
The assistance comes as authorities continue to assess the impact of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Maasim, Sarangani on June 8, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reporting that 337,541 families, or about 1.38 million people, have been affected.
The situation on the ground is dire, with 68 reported dead, 1,339 injured, and 33 missing, while damage to infrastructure is estimated at P1.07 billion and losses to agriculture at P29.8 million.
Japan has pledged to continue working closely with the Philippines to support recovery efforts in affected communities, with the goal of helping the country rebuild and recover from this disaster.
Sentinel Asia, established in 2006, is a key platform that allows participating countries and organizations to share vital information during disasters, with Japan playing a leading role in the initiative.
The Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, which leads Sentinel Asia, comprises 127 space and disaster management organizations, highlighting the significant international cooperation and commitment to disaster response and recovery.
