[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Earthquake Centered in the Kumamoto Region of Kumamoto Prefecture 2016 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, a video conference with Mr. Ikuo Kabashima, Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, was conducted, and reports and discussions were held on the situation pertaining to damages and the response of each ministry and agency.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“To begin with, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences for the lives lost as a result of this disaster. In addition, many individuals are injured. I express my sympathies for all of those affected by this disaster.

As time elapses, and dawn approaches, the state of damage is gradually becoming clear. Rescue and relief activities for the affected individuals is a battle against time.

The police, the fire department, the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and others are working through the night to respond, and going forward I request the maximum deployment of operational forces, exerting every effort in relief activities while placing top priority in securing the safety of the public.

In addition, aftershocks are continuing, and there are reports that the weather will worsen tomorrow. Therefore, I request total vigilance to prevent secondary damages, such as through urgently securing safe evacuation locations.

At the same time, the Government will collaborate with the affected local governments to secure necessities such as food and blankets, provide medical care, and repair power, sewage and other infrastructure to thoroughly and safely ensure support all affected individuals.

In addition, there are individuals whose homes have been destroyed, and may be facing a long-term evacuation. Therefore, I would like to take proactive initiatives to provide support for those affected, including through the maintenance of quality living environments.”