(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
At this extraordinary press conference, I would like to make three announcements regarding natural disasters. First, in Japan, record-breaking heavy rain has hit Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures. Self-Defense Force (SDF) units in the affected areas have promptly strengthened their information-gathering posture and are working closely with local governments, including by dispatching liaison officers to the Ishikawa and Toyama prefectural governments, as well as to Himi City Hall, which received reports of isolated communities. While disaster relief operations have not been requested at this stage, the SDF conducted information-gathering activities in Himi City this morning to assess the extent of the damage and is taking other necessary measures.
Second, a flash flood has struck central Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. I offer my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. I pray that those who remain missing will be rescued or located as soon as possible. There is information that Japanese nationals are among those missing. The Government of Japan is making every effort to gather information and is urgently taking the necessary measures. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the SDF, in coordination with relevant organizations, will continue to gather information through defense attachés in surrounding countries and maintain the necessary readiness.
Third, large-scale forest fires have broken out in Indonesia and are causing serious damage. With Indonesia, Minister of Defence Sjafrie and I signed the Defense Cooperation Arrangement (DCA) in May of this year, under which we agreed to expand cooperation in the area of disaster relief. Based on the DCA, Minister Sjafrie contacted Japan to consider SDF cooperation. Subsequently, we received a formal request from the Government of Indonesia. Following discussions and coordination within the Government of Japan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs consulted me today about conducting international disaster relief activities. I responded that I consent to the activities and directed the Commander of the JSDF Joint Operations Command to carry them out. As soon as preparations are complete, the Maritime Self-Defense Force transport vessel JS KUNISAKI, carrying three Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 transport helicopters, will depart for Indonesia, and they will conduct firefighting operations on the ground. Through these activities, the MOD/SDF will make every effort to support the people of Indonesia affected by this disaster and prevent further damage. That concludes my three announcements.