Home > News > The Prime Minister in Action > November 2020 > Joint Disaster Management Drills by the Nine Local Governments in the Kanto Region
The Prime Minister in Action
Joint Disaster Management Drills by the Nine Local Governments in the Kanto Region
November 1, 2020
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address during the joint disaster management drills by the nine municipalities in the Kanto region (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a drill to operate an evacuation center (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a drill to operate an evacuation center (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a drill to operate an evacuation center (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a drill to operate an evacuation center (4)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a drill to operate an evacuation center (5)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a drill to operate an evacuation center (6)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a rescue and assistance drill (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a rescue and assistance drill (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a rescue and assistance drill (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a rescue and assistance drill (4)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a rescue and assistance drill (5)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a rescue and assistance drill (6)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a real-time broadcasting drill (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a real-time broadcasting drill (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a real-time broadcasting drill (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister participating in a real-time broadcasting drill (4)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a firefighting drill (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a firefighting drill (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister observing a firefighting drill (3)
Photograph of a firefighting drill (1)
Photograph of a firefighting drill (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address during the joint disaster management drills by the nine municipalities in the Kanto region (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address during the joint disaster management drills by the nine municipalities in the Kanto region (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address during the joint disaster management drills by the nine municipalities in the Kanto region (4)
On November 1, 2020, the Prime Minister visited the venue of the joint disaster management drills, which was held by the nine local governments in Saitama Prefecture, as a part of the government inspection team. At the venue, the Prime Minister participated in a drill to operate an evacuation center, and observed rescue drills from a buckled building and from a multiple vehicle collision accident in a tunnel. Following that, the Prime Minister participated in a real-time broadcasting drill, and then observed a firefighting drill.
At the closing ceremony of the drills, the Prime Minister said in his address,
“I offer some remarks upon the closing ceremony of the 41st Joint Disaster Management Drills held by the nine local governments in the Kanto region.
Last year, the 2019 East Japan Typhoon (Typhoon Hagibis) caused flooding in Saitama Prefecture, resulting in human and physical damage. Once again, I extend my sincere condolences for those who lost their lives, and express my sympathy to all those who were affected.
Today’s comprehensive disaster drills were carried out with the participation of relevant authorities, including Saitama Prefecture, and here Kawaguchi City. This year again, natural disasters occurred in numerous places around Japan, making disaster management drills extremely important. In particular, I believe, against the backdrop of our ongoing efforts to implement novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) countermeasures, holding such a joint disaster drill is extremely meaningful.
In order to overcome the impacts of disasters, it is vital to build on the kizuna (bonds) that exist between citizens and integrate three elements: ‘self-help,’ where each and every citizen has the mindset to protect their own lives; ‘mutual-help,’ where citizens extend help to their fellow citizens in need; and ‘public-help,’ where the national and local governments will provide safeguards to citizens.
The Government will continue to take all possible measures related to disaster management to protect the lives and property of the Japanese people in preparation for a range of disasters.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for the enthusiasm that you all put into today’s drills.”
