Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda has expressed his deepest condolences and offered support to the people and Government of Japan, following a powerful earthquake that struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering a tsunami that has affected the region.

A factory building has collapsed in Sukagawa city, Fukushima prefecture, in northern Japan on March 11

"On behalf of ADB, its staff and Management, we join others in expressing our deepest condolences to the people and Government of Japan, and in particular those most directly affected," said President Kuroda. "This is a devastating tragedy that has affected countless lives and livelihoods and the Asian Development Bank stands ready to provide its support to the people and Government of Japan in its recovery efforts.

As the extent of the loss of life and damage is still being assessed, ADB will also monitor the impacts of the earthquake and tsunamis in Japan and on other countries in the Asia and Pacific region and will be ready to offer its assistance.

As a founding member of ADB, Japan has been a steadfast supporter of its mission to alleviate poverty in the Asia and Pacific region, including its work in disaster management and preparedness. With ADB\'s extensive experience in disaster response management in the Asia and Pacific region, ADB will stand by to mobilize its expertise in the recovery and reconstruction efforts.