(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, the Prime Minister will deliver the policy speech at the Diet. A large part of the speech will touch on the Ministry of Defense, diplomacy and security, and disasters, among other matters. Following the speech, today, I will be visiting the Self-Defense Force (SDF) units that have been sent to Ishikawa Prefecture on a Disaster Relief Dispatch. At the outset, I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the heavy rains in Ishikawa Prefecture, and extend my heartfelt sympathies to those who have been affected. With regard to the disaster relief operations in Ishikawa Prefecture, the SDF has rescued 148 people to date by helicopter and ground units. The SDF also conducted the elimination of road obstacles in Wajima City and Suzu City, providing approximately 490 tons of water supply support and transporting approximately 20 tons of relief supplies, including water and food, in Wajima City, Suzu City, and Noto Town. Today, the SDF is conducting rescue operations, eliminating road obstacles, and transporting supplies through approximately 1,100 personnel and 13 aircraft. Tomorrow, the SDF plans to provide bathing facilities in Suzu City, and preparations are under way. Today, I will visit Ishikawa Prefecture and exchange views with Governor Hase regarding the recent disaster response. Tomorrow, I will visit the Air Self-Defense Force’s Wajima Sub-Base and Suzu City to grasp the disaster relief operations being conducted by the units and provide encouragement to SDF personnel.