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On September 4, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 21st meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
“Thereafter, Typhoon No. 21^* is expected to make landfall very soon from the Shikoku region to the Kii Peninsula, while maintaining its extreme strength. Heavy rains are already spreading out over a wide area, and there are concerns that the heavy wind and rain will continue, causing flooding of rivers and landslides.
 
In addition, tide levels are rising in the Seto Inland Sea and the Hokuriku region. Particularly along the coast of Osaka Bay, there are concerns of record-breaking high tides that are comparable with the highest tide levels ever recorded in history. I would like to ask you to thoroughly ensure a high level of vigilance.
 
The Government will enhance its vigilance and put necessary measures in place. The typhoon is already beginning to have an impact on the lives of the citizens, such as the suspension of transport services and power outages. I ask each of you to continue exerting your utmost efforts to prevent the occurrence of damage and injury as much as possible, such as by urging residents to take the appropriate evacuation actions, while working in cooperation with the local governments and related organizations, and without worrying that it might ultimately be unnecessary.
 
This typhoon is speeding up rapidly near Japan and moving northward. Weather conditions are deteriorating drastically. I ask the people not to let down your guard even if the situation is safe right now. Please take action to protect your lives by making prior preparations, such as checking their emergency supplies and food stock, and confirming their evacuation centers and safe evacuation routes, as well as being mindful of evacuating early.”
 
^*Typhoon Jebi