On April 15,2000, Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori observed the vicinity of Mount Usu, Hokkaido, where volcanic activity was continuing (Mount Usu had erupted on March 31,2000) , and visited local residents who had been forced to evacuate their homes because of the danger of a major eruption. After surveying the extent of damage from a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter, the Prime Minister headed for the government's Mount Usu Eruption Emergency Disaster Countermeasures Local Headquarters in nearby Date City. He then visited evacuees in Date and the town of Toyoura, shaking hands with residents and encouraging them. He also visited the Abuta-cho Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters set up in Toyoura to encourage staff members.