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On July 9, 2021, the Prime Minister held the second 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,

 “Rain continues to fall now, centered on western Japan. We will continue to exercise caution with a high level of vigilance, as we continue to ensure our readiness for rescue and relief activities.

The large-scale mudslides in the city of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture caused tremendous damage, with nine people losing their lives and three others sustaining minor injuries. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences once again for the lives lost and offer my sincere sympathies to those affected by the disaster. Even now we are working to confirm the safety of more than 20 people. Again today we engaged in searches through a system coordinating more than 2,500 people including police, fire departments, Self-Defense Forces, and the Japan Coast Guard under harsh conditions on the site.

We have established a government-wide Team to Support the Rebuilding of Disaster Victims’ Daily Lives and Livelihoods in order to offer support in providing assistance to evacuees and securing their housing, restoring lifelines, removing earth and sand and debris, among other measures.

I request each minister to continue to swiftly respond for the affected people across the country.

The weather could easily turn into heavy rains over the weekend, and there is a high risk of landslides.

I urge the citizens to pay very careful attention to weather information and evacuation advisories and to take early actions to protect their own lives.”