[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Torrential Rains in Tochigi Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Other Regions at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister said in his opening statement,

“The areas affected by the recent torrential rains have expanded to include Miyagi Prefecture and the rest of the Tohoku region, due to river flooding and other issues. I am issuing the following three points as instructions such that the Government as a whole will be able to exert its full effort in response to this disaster.

First, ‘In order to protect the lives of the people, the Government should continue to work as one and devote every effort to rescue and relief activities for those affected.’

Next, ‘Given concerns about the potential worsening of the situation, the Government should collaborate closely with local governments and exert every effort for countermeasures to ensure evacuation by residents.’

Furthermore, ‘the Government should collaborate with affected municipalities and work as one with relevant organizations on support measures for those affected by the disaster, including measures to secure necessities and provide medical care.’

I would like everyone to demonstrate strong leadership and make maximum efforts to respond to the disaster.”