(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I just attended a meeting of the Emergency Headquarters for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake at the Prime Minister’s Office. Following the earthquake, based on instructions from Prime Minister Takaichi, the Self-Defense Forces have deployed 20 Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Force aircraft to conduct aerial damage assessments. Liaison officers have been dispatched to the Kumamoto Prefectural Government and other areas where there were strong tremors, and “FAST-FORCE” units have been mobilized. The Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture requested disaster relief operations to the commander of the 8th Division at Camp Kita-Kumamoto at 5:30 p.m. today, and the 8th Division has commenced operations with a force of 3,600 personnel. In addition, primarily the Ground Self-Defense Force’s 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment and 8th Reconnaissance Unit are conducting rescue operations at AEON MALL Kumamoto. We will continue to make every effort to gather information, assist affected residents, and provide other support with a sense of urgency. That concludes my remarks.