Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Hokkaido Prefecture in order to gauge the state of damage caused by Typhoon No. 10.

First, after observing the state of damage of Obihiro City aerially by helicopter, the Prime Minister held an exchange of views with farmers and others. Prime Minister Abe then held a further exchange of views with Ms. Harumi Takahashi, Governor of Hokkaido Prefecture; Mr. Norihisa Yonezawa, Mayor of Obihiro City; and the mayors of other relevant municipalities.

After his visit to the affected areas, the Prime Minister said,

“First, I would like to offer my prayers for the repose of those whose lives were lost as a result of the typhoon-related damage, and my heartfelt condolences to their families, as well as my condolences to all those affected by this disaster. All-out search activities to find those still missing are continuing. I can only begin to imagine the unbearable pain and suffering of their families. We will continue to exert our full efforts in the search activities. 

Earlier, I observed the state of damage. A great deal of roads, rivers, infrastructure such as bridges, farming land, agricultural facilities, and other geographical features have sustained severe damage, with terrible destruction over a wide-ranging area. I have seen for myself the ravages of this typhoon.

I have also listened to the compelling stories of farmers who are facing the reconstruction of their livelihoods. We will exert our full efforts for the restoration and reconstruction of infrastructure so that those affected by the disaster can return to their normal lives as quickly as possible, and toward the rebuilding of people’s livelihoods. Based on this stance and to that end, we will declare this a ‘Disaster of Extreme Severity’ at the Cabinet meeting on September 16th, which is the day after tomorrow.  

As well as expanding our support of disaster recovery operations for roads, rivers, infrastructure such as bridges, farming land, and agricultural, forestry, and fishing facilities, we will also strengthen our support for small- and medium-sized enterprises in municipalities with extreme damage.

Unfortunately, weather conditions did not allow me to visit Iwate Prefecture on this occasion. However, we will extend our full efforts in restoration and reconstruction, while remaining sensitive to the feelings of all the people in the affected areas, and all those affected. With the stance of doing everything that is possible, we are determined to devote all our efforts to ensure that those affected can return to their daily lives and live with peace of mind.”