May 28, 2008

Statement on the Cyclone in Myanmar and the Earthquake in China

Recently, two areas of Asia suffered great damage that left many casualties following the natural disasters of a cyclone that hit southern Myanmar from May 2 to 3 and a large earthquake that struck Sichuan Province, China on May 12. The Japan Geoscience Union hereby proclaims the following:

- The Japan Geoscience Union expresses its deepest sympathy for the loss of life and destruction caused by these natural disasters and prays for the quick recovery of our fellow Asian countries still suffering in the aftermath of these disasters.

- The Japan Geoscience Union resolves to commit more strongly to alleviating the effects of these disasters from the standpoint of scientific research based on the awareness that these natural disasters hinder the development of Asian people and, by extension, all of humanity.

- Japan has also experienced the loss of many lives from natural disasters, such as storms and floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. This experience has prompted much research, and many achievements contributing to the prevention and mitigation of the damage resulting from these natural disasters have been made. The Japan Geoscience Union hopes to work in cooperation with researchers in other Asian countries to implement these achievements for the benefit of society in order to alleviate the effects of these natural disasters in Asia.

- Regarding the recent cyclone in Myanmar and the large earthquake in Sichuan Province, China, Japan Geoscience Union will coordinate the efforts to collect and collate reports of local investigations through our affiliated academic societies and also to utilize emergency sessions at conferences of the Union and other opportunities to quickly disseminate the research achievements for the benefit of society.

- The Japan Geoscience Union, in cooperation with the Science Council of Japan, the Science Council of Asia and the Japanese government, will examine ways to support and collaborate with disaster-stricken Myanmar and China through cooperation with them and related countries on both short-term and long-term bases from an academic perspective.