(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Regarding the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake that occurred yesterday, the Self-Defense Forces have deployed a total of 24 aircraft since the immediate aftermath and conducted aerial assessments. Furthermore, “FAST-FORCE” units, including from the 8th Reconnaissance Unit at Camp Kita-Kumamoto, have headed to areas where there were strong tremors. Approximately 125 liaison officers have been dispatched to up to 47 local governments, including the Kumamoto Prefectural Government, to assess the damage. Today, since around 5:30 a.m., helicopters from the Western Air Group have been gathering information on the damage. As a tsunami advisory was issued due to the earthquake, Camp Beppu and Camp Kita-Kumamoto were temporarily opened to local residents to serve as evacuation shelters. At AEON MALL Kumamoto, primarily the 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment is carrying out rescue operations in coordination with the fire and police departments, and since around 2:00 a.m. today, helicopters from the 8th Squadron have been transporting hospitalized patients. Today, we will further reinforce the units, and a force of approximately 4,600 personnel, centered on the 8th Division, will conduct operations. At AEON MALL Kumamoto, 170 personnel are carrying out rescue operations, and we will continue to place the highest priority on saving lives. Additionally, water supply units mainly from the Western Army Artillery Regiment and the 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment began providing water at one location in Yatsushiro City and five locations in Uki City from 6:30 a.m. We plan to begin providing water in Uto City and Mifune Town as well. As a measure to prevent heatstroke, we will, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and other relevant ministries and agencies, transport 300 portable air-conditioning units from Iruma Air Base to the affected areas by the end of today. In order to further strengthen coordination with Kumamoto Prefecture, an official at the vice-defense minister level was dispatched from the Ministry of Defense to the Kumamoto Prefectural Government early this morning. We will continue to place the highest priority on saving lives with a sense of urgency and make every effort to assist residents, including providing water, guided by our determination to do everything we can. After this, I will hold a meeting of the Ministry of Defense Disaster Response Headquarters. That concludes my remarks.