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On July 5, 2021, the Prime Minister held the first meeting of the Major Disaster Management Headquarters for the heavy rains that began on July 1 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

 “Because the damage from the massive landslide in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has been so tremendous, we upgraded our response operations from a Specified Disaster Management Headquarters to a Major Disaster Management Headquarters today. With another death newly confirmed, at present, three people have lost their lives, one has suffered serious injuries, and three have sustained minor injuries. Meanwhile, four people were rescued yesterday, bringing the total number of the rescued thus far to 23. However, according to a survey by Atami City, more than 100 others are still unaccounted for, and we are currently working to confirm their safety. I express my deep condolences for those who lost their lives and my great sympathy to all those who have been affected by the disaster.

In order to rescue those awaiting help under the mud as early as possible, police, fire departments, the Japan Coast Guard, and Self-Defense Forces have further enhanced their respective capacity to conduct search operations, and over 1,500 personnel are assessing the damage situation and undertaking rescue activities. They are working hard on the site amid the unstable weather.

I ask each minister to put people’s lives above all else, work closely with local governments to maintain vigilance against secondary disasters and make all-out efforts in swift rescue and relief activities and assistance to those affected so that we can save as many lives as possible and protect their livelihoods.

The seasonal rain front may continue to cause heavy rains in many parts of the country. Even though the rains have died down, landslides may still occur as the ground has become loose. I urge the public to continue to watch out for the landslides and check again a hazard map issued to their residential areas to stay away from dangerous locations. I also request the public to pay careful attention to weather information, evacuation advisories, and other critical information and urge them to take early actions that will protect their own lives.”