Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Offers Support to Nepal After Deadly Floods, Urges Rescue of Five Missing Japanese Citizens

Kathmandu: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation with Nepal’s Prime Minister Shah on Tuesday afternoon and expressed deep sympathy for the victims of the devastating floods in Nepal. During the call, Takaichi conveyed her condolences to families who lost loved ones and expressed concern over the difficult situation faced by communities affected by the disaster.

Takaichi said Japan also understands the pain caused by natural disasters, referring to recent disasters in Japan, including the Kumamoto earthquake and record heavy rainfall. She noted that both Japan and Nepal are countries that regularly face earthquakes, floods and other natural hazards, and expressed solidarity with Nepal during the current crisis.

Japan Raises Concern Over Five Missing Citizens

A major issue discussed during the telephone conversation was the search for five Japanese citizens who remain out of contact in Nepal. Japan’s embassy had previously sought assistance in locating its nationals following the catastrophic flooding. International reports have confirmed that Japanese citizens are among the foreign nationals reported missing after the disaster.

Prime Minister Takaichi urged the Nepal government to make every possible effort to locate and rescue the missing Japanese citizens. In response, Prime Minister Shah said that Nepal was making every possible effort to find them. Takaichi also said that the Japanese government was using all available resources from its side to determine the whereabouts and condition of its citizens.

Japan to Send Emergency Relief Materials

Japan has also decided to provide emergency relief materials, including tents and blankets, to flood-affected communities in Nepal. The supplies will come from Japan’s separate emergency stockpile maintained for overseas disaster assistance rather than from supplies reserved for domestic disaster response.

The support comes as Nepal continues search, rescue and relief operations following a catastrophic flood that has affected large areas and left hundreds of people missing, including foreign tourists and other nationals. International efforts have focused on locating missing people and supporting communities cut off by damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Japan Open to Further International Assistance

Takaichi also indicated that Nepal could continue to expect support through international organizations and possible international emergency assistance teams. Several countries have offered assistance following the disaster, although Nepal has said its own security agencies are currently leading search-and-rescue operations.

The Japanese support is significant in the context of the long-standing relationship between the two Asian countries. Nepal and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1956, and 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

The two prime ministers also expressed a commitment to further strengthen Nepal-Japan relations while working together during the current humanitarian crisis. The conversation highlights Japan’s continued support for Nepal’s disaster response and the importance of cooperation between the two countries during times of crisis.