Malawi can learn from Japan—Ambassador

Japanese Ambassador to Malawi Shuichiro Nishioka says Malawi can learn a lot from Japan in terms of disaster management.

Speaking during a tour of camps in Nsanje facilitated by the World Food Programme (WFP), Nishioka highlighted how Japan also suffered at the hands of natural disasters.

Said Nishioka: “In 2011, Japan also suffered an earthquake and tsunami that killed people and damaged property. That was four years ago, but up to now we are still in the process of rebuilding.

To appreciate the full extent of the disaster, the ambassador, in the

company of Nsanje district commissioner Atanazio Chibwana and WFP country representative Coco Ushiyama, flew over the affected area from Bangula airstrip to Makhanga and back.

Nishioka witnessed the distribution of relief items by WFP and its partner Goal Malawi at Makhanga, and also interacted with some victims at Sekeni two camp at Nchalo.

The ambassador expressed optimism that Malawi would participate in the United Nations Disaster Relief Conference to be held in Tokyo in March during which Japan will also share its disaster experiences and know- how with the world.”

In response, Chibwana said he hoped the ambassador’s visit would enhance the recovery process efforts in the district.

Nishioka’s comments come in the wake of the recent floods that hit 15 of the country’s 28 districts.