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The Prime Minister in Action
Ministerial Meeting on the Heavy Rains that began on July 1
July 4, 2021
[Provisional Translation]
On July 4, 2021, the Prime Minister held the second ministerial meeting on the heavy rains that began on July 1 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“A massive landslide in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has caused a serious damage, engulfing multiple people and a large number of houses. We have confirmed two deaths and two injuries so far, with dozens of people still unaccounted for. At the same time, we have been informed that 19 people have been rescued as of now. The number of affected buildings could rise to approximately 130. I express my deep condolences for those who lost their lives and extend my heartfelt sympathies to those affected.
More than 1,000 personnel from police, fire departments, the Japan Coast Guard, and Self-Defense Forces have been utilizing drones and heavy machinery to assess the damage situation and conduct rescue operations since last night. These personnel are going all out on the site amid continuing rain. I ask each minister to work closely with local governments to maintain vigilance against secondary disasters and make all-out efforts in rescue and relief activities, search for missing people, and assistance to those affected, by putting people’s lives above all else.
The seasonal rain front may continue to cause heavy rains in many parts of the country. There is a risk of disasters caused by mudflows even after the rain subsides as the ground has become loose. I urge the public to check again a hazard map issued to their residential areas to stay away from dangerous locations and take early actions to protect their own lives, while paying attention to weather information, evacuation advisories, and other relevant information. The Government will take every possible step in swift rescue and relief activities as well as support for affected people.”