[Provisional Translation]
(Reporter)
I am Sho, with the Fuji Television Network. Madame Prime Minister, thank you for taking my question.
Yesterday, an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 struck Kumamoto Prefecture, causing extensive damage, including fatalities and injuries. As Prime Minister, what will be your approach to responding to this earthquake?
I am Sho, with the Fuji Television Network. Madame Prime Minister, thank you for taking my question.
Yesterday, an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 struck Kumamoto Prefecture, causing extensive damage, including fatalities and injuries. As Prime Minister, what will be your approach to responding to this earthquake?
(Prime Minister TAKAICHI)
Regarding the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, as of 8:30 a.m. today, 13 fatalities have been confirmed, including cases still under investigation to determine whether they were disaster-related. Extensive damage has also been confirmed, including injuries, collapsed buildings, fires, and damage to roads.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and extend my heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families. I also offer my sincere sympathies to everyone affected by this disaster.
Regarding the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, as of 8:30 a.m. today, 13 fatalities have been confirmed, including cases still under investigation to determine whether they were disaster-related. Extensive damage has also been confirmed, including injuries, collapsed buildings, fires, and damage to roads.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and extend my heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families. I also offer my sincere sympathies to everyone affected by this disaster.
Immediately after the earthquake, the Government moved swiftly to assess the extent of the damage, while the relevant ministries and agencies have been working in close coordination and making every effort in the initial response. I understand that some of those engaged in the response have themselves been affected by the disaster. Nevertheless, local authorities, together with the police, fire departments, the Japan Coast Guard, and the Self-Defense Forces, have worked through the night and continue their search and rescue operations. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for their tireless efforts.
There are still people waiting to be rescued, and every minute counts. We will continue to devote every available resource on the ground to saving as many lives as possible. The affected areas continue to experience extremely hot weather. I urge everyone in the disaster-stricken areas, including those engaged in rescue and recovery operations, to take every possible precaution against heatstroke.
The Government will also make every effort to restore infrastructure, including electricity and water services, in areas experiencing outages and disruptions. At present, the Self-Defense Forces are providing emergency water supplies and transporting patients. In addition, to ensure the best possible conditions at evacuation shelters, the Government is mobilizing the full capabilities of all relevant ministries and agencies to provide proactive assistance, including food, drinking water, essential supplies such as cardboard beds and toilet paper, as well as air conditioners and power supply vehicles, preparations for which began last night.
We will do everything we can. This afternoon, beginning at 1:30 p.m., we will convene the second meeting of the Emergency Headquarters for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake to further assess and share the latest information and accelerate our response efforts.
Thank you.