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On August 13, 2021, the Prime Minister held the first ministerial meeting on the heavy rains that began on August 11 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
 “An active weather front has resulted in the weather conditions similar to those at the end of the rainy season and very heavy rains are hitting western Japan. In particular, the northern Kyushu and Chugoku Region has seen record rainfall levels with the occurrence of linear precipitation bands. In addition, the Heavy Rain Emergency Warning is in place for the City of Hiroshima.
 
Heavy rains may continue to fall over wide areas, centered on western Japan, throughout next week over a long period. We need to remain highly vigilant as we will continue to face conditions in which a large-scale disaster could occur anywhere, at any time.
 
We have established a Specified Disaster Management Headquarters and are working as one in our response. Under the policy of prioritizing human life above all else, I ask each minister to strive to gather information and to ensure that we have a well-prepared system in place capable of responding when a disaster occurs as well as to respond with the greatest possible sense of vigilance, cooperating closely with local municipalities and related organizations.
 
The ground has become loose in many areas due to the typhoons and heavy rains resulting from this weather front, with some areas at very high risk of landslides. The landslides may occur even after heavy rains have subsided. Therefore, I urge all citizens to once more check the hazard map for the area in which they live, pay close attention to evacuation advisories and weather information, and stay alert regarding landslides and flooding in low-lying areas, swollen and overflowing rivers.
 
As we are entering the Obon holiday, please refrain from going out for non-essential, non-urgent reasons, stay away from dangerous spots including rivers and waterways, and take early actions that will protect your life, such as evacuating without hesitation if you feel even slightly that you are in danger. The Government, on its part, will take every measure in its response to protect the lives and safety of the people.”