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The Prime Minister in Action
Ministerial Meeting on Typhoon No. 10
August 14, 2019
[Provisional Translation]
On August 14, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a Ministerial Meeting on Typhoon No. 10* at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“A powerful typhoon, Typhoon No. 10, is expected to approach and make landfall to the areas from Shikoku to Kyushu over the course of tomorrow, August 15. Because of that, there is also expected to be heavy rains in western Japan and the surrounding areas; total precipitation may exceed 1,200 mm in the areas that are most heavily affected. It is necessary to maintain the utmost vigilance in case of landslides, inundation, and rising of rivers as well as flooding in addition to strong winds and high waves.
As the ‘U-turn rush’ phase of the Obon holidays, the period when transportation systems become congested with people returning from their holidays, is approaching, serious impacts on people’ lives, including the confirmed suspension of Shinkansen operations and cancellation of flights, have been already appearing.
Going forward, there is a concern over storm surges. Therefore, taking into account the tanker collision caused by Typhoon No. 21** last year, we have already enacted a series of measures, including prohibiting in principle the navigation of ships in the waters around Kansai International Airport, which is the first of its kind.
Furthermore, currently, police, firefighters, and the Japan Coast Guard are on high alert and approximately 27,000 personnel of the Self-Defense Forces, mainly from the units based in the Kyushu and Chubu regions, are ready for rapid deployment so as to respond to various emergencies.
I ask you to ensure the prompt dissemination of information that is easy to understand to all citizens, and put in place necessary measures ahead of time before disaster strikes, collaborating closely with local governments and relevant organizations.
There is a possibility of record-breaking heavy rains and strong winds as well as storm surges and others. I also ask the people to avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary and urgent as well as to stay alert and take necessary steps that save lives, such as by preparing in advance based on the evacuation information issued by the local governments and being mindful of evacuating early.”
*Typhoon Krosa
**Typhoon Jebi