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The Prime Minister in Action
First Ministerial Meeting on the Earthquake off the Coast of Fukushima Prefecture
February 14, 2021
Photograph of the Primie Minister making a statement (1)
Photograph of the Primie Minister making a statement (2)
Photograph of the Primie Minister making a statement (3)
Photograph of the Primie Minister making a statement (4)
[Provisional Translation]
On February 14, 2021, the Prime Minister held the first Ministerial Meeting on the Earthquake off the Coast of Fukushima Prefecture at the Prime Minister's Office.
Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said:
"Yesterday, an earthquake whose maximum seismic intensity* was “Upper 6” struck off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture. I express my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by this earthquake.
We have received reports that thus far, while there have been a number of injuries in areas such as in Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures, as of now no deaths have been occurred.
We have confirmed that a landslide occurred on the Joban Expressway and that the water supply has been disrupted in numerous areas, among other issues. Also, fires broke out in Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures, but all have now been extinguished. Work is currently underway to restore power in areas affected by blackouts, which have happened primarily in Fukushima Prefecture.
The Government has been making all-out efforts in its initial responses, such as assessing the state of damage and moving forward with restoration work, beginning immediately after the earthquake struck, under the policy of putting human lives first. These efforts have been made through collaboration among relevant authorities including police departments, fire departments, the Self-Defense Forces, and the Japan Coast Guard.
I ask each of you to continue to collaborate closely with affected municipalities and stay vigilant against aftershocks and secondary disasters such as landslides, while also doing your utmost to provide accurate information to the public and carry out emergency disaster responses.
Also, I ask those in the affected areas to stay vigilant for about one week against earthquakes having a seismic intensity* as high as around “Upper 6.” Please pay close attention to information from your local authorities, including regarding changes in the weather after tomorrow, and please make early preparations for possible events without letting down your guard."
*Based on the Japan Meteorological Agency Seismic Intensity (Shindo) Scale
