(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I would like to share some updates on our response to the Kumamoto Earthquake. On this day, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) is continuing to support residents with a force of approximately 5,100 personnel. From 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today, HAKUOU II began providing bathing facilities and air-conditioned rest areas at Yatsushiro Port. As soon as preparations are completed, we plan to gradually expand support to include meals, accommodation, and other services. To assure those who wish to use these services but do not have a car, transportation will be provided between evacuation shelters and HAKUOU II on minibuses chartered by the MOD and driven by SDF personnel. Furthermore, in order to make the vessel available to as many people as possible, since yesterday we have been raising awareness about the services, such as by posting information on the Kumamoto Prefecture website and distributing materials to evacuation shelters in the prefecture. We have also posted information and the link on the MOD website and its social media accounts in an effort to make the application process as easy as possible for the people. Today, applications were received from more than 240 people, which is the vessel’s capacity. Arrangements are being made on site so that everyone who applied will be able to use the services. However, to ensure safety as Typhoon No. 13 approaches, HAKUOU II will leave Yatsushiro Port and move offshore from tomorrow, August 6, to August 9. Therefore, the services on HAKUOU II will be temporarily suspended from August 6 to 9. On August 10 onward, HAKUOU II is expected to return to Yatsushiro Port and resume its services upon confirming the course of the typhoon and weather conditions. When services resume, the MOD will coordinate with Kumamoto Prefecture to disseminate information in a clear manner. In addition, today we are continuing to provide water supply support at 37 locations across 11 municipalities, mainly in Yatsushiro City, as well as provide water to five hospitals that requested urgent assistance due to shortages of water required for dialysis. We are also continuing to provide bathing support at seven locations across five municipalities, including Uki City. The MOD/SDF will continue to work in earnest to provide support to protect the daily lives of the affected people. That concludes my update for today.