(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Thank you for your hard work late into the night yesterday. First, I would like to begin by providing a follow-up report on yesterday’s earthquake. Following the earthquake yesterday, the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) has been conducting aerial information gathering from a total of 23 aircraft, consisting of 8 fixed-wing aircraft and 15 helicopters. They are still gathering information this morning. In addition, the FAST-FORCE has advanced from Camp Iwate, Camp Hakodate, and other locations toward the areas that experienced strong shaking and gathered information in Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido Prefectures. Furthermore, liaison officers have been dispatched to 28 local governments, including the Aomori Prefectural Government, and they are continuing to gather information. At this time, we have not received reports of large-scale damage. As a tsunami warning was issued in connection with this earthquake, the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Hachinohe Air Base and the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Camp Hachinohe were opened as temporary evacuation centers until safety could be ensured. They accepted up to approximately 620 local residents and approximately 270 vehicles, and prepared and provided 800 blankets. At present, several people are still evacuating. The Ministry of Defense and the SDF will continue to maintain the necessary readiness with a sense of urgency and take all possible measures in preparation for future earthquakes.