(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I will speak about the Self-Defense Forces’ (SDF’s) response to the heavy rains from September 20. Firstly, I would like to again express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the recent heavy rains. I also wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families and others who have been affected. With regard to the disaster relief operations in Ishikawa Prefecture, the SDF has rescued 62 people to date by helicopter and ground units. The SDF also conducted the elimination of road obstacles and provided 34 tons of water supply support in Wajima City and Suzu City, as well as transporting 8.5 tons of relief supplies, including water and food, in Wajima City, Suzu City, and Noto Town. Today, September 24, units of the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) and the Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) will also deploy approximately 1,400 personnel, along with 12 aircraft, to conduct rescue operations, gather information on isolated areas, eliminate road obstacles, provide water supply support, and transport supplies. In particular, from yesterday, units have transported relief supplies such as water and food to isolated areas by descending into Monzenmachi District, Wajima City, Otani District, Suzu City, and Kitakawachi District, Noto Town from helicopters or accessing these areas by foot, and they will continue to do so until their isolation ends. The Ministry of Defense and the SDF will continue to exert every effort to provide attentive support for the people affected, while taking into account the needs of each local government, centered on the two pillars of search and rescue and livelihood support.