The Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova issued the following statement concerning today’s earthquake off Japan and the ensuing Pacific-wide tsunami:

“My heart goes out to the people of Japan and all those peoples of the Pacific caught in the terrifying and destructive sweep of the tsunami provoked by the massive earthquake that struck off the north-east coast of Honshu today.

“The images being broadcast around the world are truly distressing.

“UNESCO, through its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, is closely monitoring the situation. The progress of the tsunami across the Pacific is being followed by the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, created by UNESCO in conjunction with Pacific rim countries almost 50 years ago. This System has been issuing regular bulletins alerting authorities across the Pacific since the earthquake hit earlier today.

“Our long experience in this domain has shown us that timely and accurate information can save lives.

UNESCO will do everything possible within its areas of competence to help the victims of this latest catastrophe to recover and rebuild their lives.”

Source: UNESCOPRESS