National News Japanese tsunami death toll rises

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BANGKOK (Kyodo) - Japan's death toll hit 22 on Jan. 4, as sources said that a further 30 Japanese citizens may have been swept away in southern Thailand by tsunamis Dec. 26.

The Foreign Ministry has received inquiries on some 3,200 people who were unaccounted for in South Asia, but said about 2,500 of them had been confirmed safe as of Jan. 3.

Meanwhile, in the outpouring of sympathy for surviｖors of the disaster, Japan's top companies are promising donations by the millions, sending cash, food and flashlights with hopes of raising their image in the region as good corporate citizens.

Among the companies making donations are Toyota Motor Corp. with ¥100 million, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Sony Corp., Toshiba Corp., Hitachi Ltd., and Ajinomoto Co.

In further developments, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has called out the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for disaster relief as his administration tries to move Japan beyond its image as the world's checkbook.

The number of SDF personnel and type of equipment to be sent are yet to be determined but the government will dispatch transport planes, medical and helicopter units, and a transport ship.

Up to 800 SDF members may be sent. This would make it the largest emergency relief operation conducted by the SDF.

スマトラ地震で邦人犠牲者増加

12月26日に起きたスマトラ沖地震と津波による被害で、1月4日現在、邦人犠牲者の数が22人となった。

Shukan ST: Jan. 14, 2005

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