SAIPAN — Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Jose Blas Camacho extended his gratitude to Mayor Tomonori Ito of Katori City, Chiba, Japan, after Katori sent a letter of concern, encouragement and an offer of support to the people of Saipan in the wake of Typhoon Sinlaku, the Mayor’s Office announced.
In an April 28 letter to Camacho, Ito said he was deeply saddened to learn of the loss and serious damage caused by the storm, which the letter referred to as Typhoon No. 4 in the Japanese naming convention.
“It especially pains me to hear about the scale of the damage brought about on your electrical grid and water supply, as damage to utilities means that it will take time for the people of Saipan to return to their everyday lives,” Ito wrote. “I would like to express my best regards and deepest sympathies to the citizens of Saipan who will be forced to live in an unstable environment in the wake of this disaster.”
Ito also expressed concern for Camacho and Saipan City Hall staff facing the restoration effort and urged them to look after their own health and well-being during what he called an immense task.
“We at Katori City will examine what we may be able to do to aid you in this process,” Ito wrote. “If there is anything in our power to do to help the situation in Saipan, we will do so wholeheartedly.”
Saipan and Katori have shared a sister city relationship that has been sustained through cultural exchange and mutual cooperation over the years.
“The support of our sister city is a testament to the deep relationship between the people of Saipan and Katori,” Camacho said. “This thoughtful gesture shows just how strong the friendship is between our two sister cities. By continuing to share our cultures and ideas as well as working together, we have built a special bond that helps us through even the toughest challenges.”
