Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The Prime Minister Visits the Area in the Chugoku and Northern Kyushu Regions Struck by the Heavy Rain in July 2009

Prime Minister Taro Aso visited the area in the Chugoku and northern Kyushu regions that was struck by the heavy rain from the 19th to the 26th of this month to observe the status of the disaster and encourage the victims.

Prior to the observation, Prime Minister Aso met with Mr. Sekinari Nii, Governor of Yamaguchi Prefecture, at Yamaguchi Ube Airport and received explanations on the status of the disaster. The Prime Minister then went to see the site in Hofu City near National Highway 262, which was hit by a landside, and encouraged the victims and members of the Self-Defense Forces engaged in restoration efforts. Prime Minister Aso also visited Life Care Takasago, a special elderly nursing home, which was hit by a mudslide, and offered flowers and observed a moment of silence, praying for the repose of the souls of those who have lost their lives as he stated, "I pray for the repose of the souls of those who have lost their lives. I also offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved families. I have renewed my determination toward the restoration of the region."

The planned observation from a helicopter was cancelled due to bad weather conditions. The Prime Minister moved to Fukuoka Prefecture to observe the site of landslide on the Kyushu Expressway. Prime Minister Aso first confirmed the status of the disaster and offered flowers and observed a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives. He then visited the town office of Nakagawa Town. After receiving explanations on the status of the disaster, Prime Minister Aso encouraged the victims there. The Prime Minister also received a request for disaster countermeasures from Mr. Wataru Aso, Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture.

Following the completion of a series of visits, Prime Minister Aso said, "I pay my respect to those people whose lives have been taken, and offer from the bottom of my heart condolences to the victims who are suffering from the damage even at this moment. Actually visiting these sites helped me understand the situation better. These visits have served as a very good opportunity to ensure effective countermeasures." Concerning the request he received from Governor Aso, the Prime Minister said, "We will launch countermeasures promptly as soon as preparations are complete."