(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
The Self-Defense Forces (SDF) is continuing operations with 5,100 personnel, the same as yesterday. At AEON MALL Kumamoto, bearing in mind that the 72-hour mark will be reached this evening, the SDF conducted another thorough search today in coordination with the police and fire departments. Regarding water supply support, yesterday, water supply units mainly from the Western Army Artillery Regiment and the 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment supplied approximately 280 tons of water to a total of approximately 140,000 people. Today, approximately 160 personnel and a total of 49 water tankers and water trailers are providing water at 41 locations. Compared with yesterday, this is 17 more locations, approximately 40 more personnel, and 17 more vehicles. In response to requests for water supply support due to shortages of water required for dialysis, the provision of approximately 100 tons of water to Kikuchi Medical Association Hospital and Matsuoka Internal Medicine Clinic was completed yesterday. Water is also being provided to Saiseikai Misumi Hospital and Kumamoto Rosai Hospital in response to newly received requests. Regarding bathing support, bathing support units mainly from the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF)’s 8th Division have just begun providing bathing support at the Hinokimi Cultural Center in Kumamoto City at 6:00 p.m. The bath will be available until 10:00 p.m. this evening. In addition, the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (MSDF) large vessel JS ISE, carrying food, drinking water, and other daily necessities, arrived off the coast of Amakusa this morning. One GSDF Osprey aircraft and three MSDF helicopters transported supplies from JS ISE to the GSDF’s Vice-Camp Takayubaru and other locations. Deliveries to evacuation shelters and other destinations have also begun using GSDF and other vehicles. The Ministry of Defense/SDF is conducting a wide range of activities thus far. With hot weather expected through the weekend, we will continue to carry out these operations with a sense of urgency.