• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Oita Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture for an inspection of the state of damage caused by the torrential rains resulting from Typhoon No. 3 and the seasonal rain front.

First, after observing the site of a collapsed railway bridge of the JR Kyudai Line, which spanned the Kagetsu River in Hita City, Oita Prefecture before the collapse, the Prime Minister visited an evacuation shelter.

Next, the Prime Minister visited Hita City Hall, and held an exchange of views with Mr. Katsusada Hirose, Governor of Oita Prefecture; Mr. Keisuke Harada, Mayor of Hita City; Mr. Masanori Okuzuka, Mayor of Nakatsu City; and others.

Following this, the Prime Minister visited Toho Village Hall in Fukuoka Prefecture and, after receiving an explanation of the damage situation and the state of recovery, visited an evacuation shelter. Next, the Prime Minister visited the disaster-affected area of Hakihoshimaru in Asakura City and offered a silent prayer.

Finally, Prime Minister Abe visited Asakura City Hall, and held an exchange of views with Mr. Hiroshi Ogawa, Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture; Mr. Shunsuke Morita, Mayor of Asakura City; and others.

After visiting the disaster-affected areas, the Prime Minister said,

“Firstly, I would like to offer my condolences for the victims who passed away as a result of the torrential rains and my heartfelt sympathies to their families. I would also like to express my sympathies to all those affected by this disaster.

From immediately after the onset of the disaster, members of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), police, fire departments, and the Japan Coast Guard have been exerting their full efforts in emergency disaster response, from day to night, placing themselves in danger of secondary disasters. Even now, a force of over 10,000 people is working hard to carry out search activities. However, there are still many people missing. We will continue to exert our full efforts in search, rescue, and relief activities, keeping in mind the feelings of the families, who are praying for the safety of the missing people.

At the evacuation shelters, I heard directly the feelings of anxiety of those affected, and their experiences of great hardship. The frontlines are of the greatest importance. Paying the utmost attention to these frontlines, the Government will work as one. We will exert our full efforts to provide daily life support that meets the needs of the areas and of the people affected by this disaster, such as installing air conditioners in the evacuation shelters, securing housing, and removing the driftwood that is obstructing the recovery and reconstruction. Further, so that all those affected can regain a life lived with peace of mind as quickly as possible, we will exert our full efforts in recovery and reconstruction. 

I saw for myself how bridges, roads, and cherished homes have been washed away, and the large amount of driftwood that has piled up. I confirmed the immensity of the damage. I intend to designate this disaster as a ‘Disaster of Extreme Severity’ as soon as possible. To that end, the national Government and local governments will work as one to advance the work in as short a time as possible.

In addition, tomorrow we will determine the boost in the provision of grant tax funds. In any event, the Government will provide full support that enables the local governments to carry out recovery and reconstruction without hesitation and with peace of mind regarding financing.”