(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Firstly, I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the recent heavy rains on the Noto Peninsula, which is still on the journey of recovery and reconstruction from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that struck at the beginning of the year and where traces of the earthquake’s destruction remain. I also wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to those who have been affected. Concerning the recent heavy rains, based on the instructions issued by Prime Minister Kishida, I gave instructions yesterday on the following three points: (1) to use every possible means on land, sea, and air to gather information, while taking the weather into consideration; (2) to work closely with the relevant government ministries and agencies as well as local governments and strive to share information with them; and (3) to conduct rescue operations that prioritize saving lives, while also working to prevent secondary damage, and to make every effort for disaster response. Additionally, in response to a disaster relief dispatch request from Governor Hase of Ishikawa Prefecture, units from the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) and the Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) have been working with the utmost effort since yesterday and still now to conduct search and rescue operations in Wajima City, Suzu City, and Noto Town. With regard to the Self-Defense Forces’ (SDF’s) current disaster relief operations in Wajima City, search and rescue operations are underway in Futegawamachi, Machinomachi, and Nakaya Tunnel, in addition to the elimination of road obstacles throughout the city. In Suzu City, the SDF is currently making arrangements with local governments and other parties to transport relief supplies to support daily life, including water and food, alongside providing water supply support. In Noto Town, the SDF is conducting search and rescue operations near the Kita-kawachi Tunnel. In addition, the SDF is making the necessary preparations to transport water, food, and other relief supplies by helicopter to a number of isolated areas in Wajima City, Suzu City, and Noto Town as soon as weather conditions there improve. The Ministry of Defense and the SDF will make every effort to conduct search and rescue operations for those who are still missing and whose status and whereabouts are unknown. We will also continue to do our utmost effort to respond to the situation, working closely with the relevant ministries and agencies and providing attentive support to the affected areas, including addressing the future livelihood assistance needs of those affected.