(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I would like to provide some updates on today’s operations. First, at AEON MALL Kumamoto, 170 personnel from the 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment are conducting rescue operations. Since this afternoon, they have been using heavy machinery to remove debris from around the building, while the 8th Reconnaissance Unit is using drones to assess the conditions inside. At Nippon Paper Industries’ Yatsushiro Mill in Yatsushiro City, approximately 20 personnel are conducting rescue operations. We will continue to place the highest priority on saving lives. Another update since this morning is that water supply units mainly from the Western Army Artillery Regiment and the 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment began providing water in one location in Uto City, Mifune Town, and Kashima Town, respectively, and three in Kamiamakusa City, bringing the total to 12 locations. Approximately 70 personnel and 21 water trailers are engaged in these operations. As of 5:00 p.m. today, approximately 45 tons of water have been supplied to more than 20,000 people in total. As part of the measures to prevent heatstroke, we, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and other relevant ministries and agencies, transported approximately 300 air-conditioning units aboard an Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) C-2 transport aircraft. The aircraft arrived at Kumamoto Airport shortly after 3:00 p.m. Approximately 150 of the air-conditioning units will be transported to evacuation shelters by Ground Self-Defense Force vehicles, and the remaining units will be transported to depots and other locations in the affected areas. As you can see on this screen, the transportation was completed swiftly through coordination among private-sector companies, METI, and other relevant ministries and agencies. Looking ahead, we are working closely with relevant organizations to provide water and will continue to respond to the needs of local governments. However, with extremely hot weather expected, we will start preparing early. ASDF disaster rescue dogs are on standby at Tsuiki Air Base in Fukuoka Prefecture. In addition, three guard dogs from the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Kure Naval Base have just been moved to Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture and are on standby. All of these dogs are ready for deployment. 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. That concludes my update.