(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I have just made a round of visits in Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered severe damages from the recent heavy rains following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January. I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the heavy rains, and extend my heartfelt sympathies to those who have been affected. Today, I assessed the extent of the damages caused by the recent heavy rains and provided encouragement to our Self-Defense Force (SDF) personnel on the ground. Ishikawa Prefecture sustained very severe damages from the recent heavy rains in the midst of its reconstruction from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. I saw firsthand the SDF personnel standing by and assisting those affected. They are working very hard and with a sense of duty, and I feel very proud of them. Regarding the disaster relief operations in Ishikawa Prefecture to date, the SDF has rescued 148 people by helicopter 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. In addition, from today, the SDF will be providing bathing facilities here at the Otani Community Learning Center. Bathing is one of the few relaxations that are available for those who have been affected, so I hope that it will make them happy. I once again asked the units to stand by and assist those who have been affected. Based on this visit, the SDF and the Ministry of Defense will continue to carry out operations that are tailored to the many concerns and needs of the people in the affected areas.