Press Conference by the Prime Minister on the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake (2)

[Provisional translation]

Today, I gave instructions to swiftly carry out measures for isolated communities at the Emergency Headquarters meeting, and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ishikawa Prefecture, and other organizations are working together to reopen the damaged roads at a rapid pace and have utilized SDF and police helicopters to transport affected people in isolated areas. According to an announcement by Ishikawa Prefecture, these efforts have led to the resolution of the isolation of nine districts, rescuing 287 people. We will continue to make all-out effort to resolve the isolation of communities.
 
Moreover, we have been doing everything within our power to provide necessary supplies and medical support for evacuation centers. However, given that full restoration of electricity, water supplies, and other services will likely take time, I have instructed Disaster Management Minister Matsumura to coordinate with Ishikawa Prefecture to arrange shelters outside the quake-hit area for those who wish to move there, while fully taking into account the situation and wishes of those affected.
 
We will dispatch Cabinet Office officials to a team to consider secondary evacuation to be launched within the Ishikawa Prefectural Government and intend to proceed with our efforts to provide total support under the collaboration among the relevant ministries and agencies, so that those affected by the disaster can feel that their lives are secure after the evacuation.