[Provisional translation]
(Prime Minister Takaichi )
At approximately 4:27 p.m. today, an earthquake with its epicenter in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture occurred. A maximum seismic intensity of 7 was observed in Hikawa Town, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and strong tremors were felt across a wide area of Kyushu. A tsunami advisory has been issued for the Ariake Sea, and tsunami waves of approximately one meter are expected. I urge everyone to stay away from coastal areas.
I instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to:
- Assess the state of affairs regarding damage as soon as possible.
- Act in close coordination with local governments and, under the principle of prioritizing human life above all else, spare no effort in our emergency disaster responses, including saving lives and rescuing disaster victims, with the Government working as one.
- Provide information to the public regarding evacuation and the state of damages, etc., in a timely and appropriate manner.
The Government will spare no effort in emergency disaster response measures, with the highest priority placed on saving lives and rescue operations led by local police and fire departments. In addition, I have also dispatched a Cabinet Office investigation team to the affected area.
While assessments of casualties and property damage are still underway, I have been informed that injuries have already been reported. There are also areas experiencing power outages and fires, as well as damage to roads and bridges and the collapse of buildings. I urge everyone to take immediate action to protect themselves, including by evacuating to a safe location.
As many people may be preparing their evening meals, please exercise extreme caution when using fire or cooking appliances. Please also be careful not to injure yourselves on broken glass, shattered ceramics, or other hazardous debris inside your homes.
In areas that experienced strong tremors, earthquakes of similar intensity may continue to occur over approximately the next week. Please remain vigilant. The Government will continue to respond with every available resource.