Saturday, August 22, 2009

The Prime Minister Surveys the Status of Damage in Hyogo Prefecture

Prime Minister Taro Aso visited Sayo Town in Hyogo Prefecture, which sustained damage from the heavy rain caused by Typhoon No. 9, to observe the status of the damage and encourage the victims.

Prior to the observation, Prime Minister Aso met with Mr. Toshizo Ido, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, at Kobe Airport and received explanations on the status of the disaster. The Prime Minister also received a request for the early designation of the event as a serious disaster, among other matters.

After that, Prime Minister Aso met with Mr. Noriaki Anzako, Mayor of Sayo Town. Following the meeting, the Prime Minister visited sites near Sayo Station of Japan Railway (JR), including a shopping district, to encourage the people affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Aso said, "It is extremely important that one see the site with one's own eyes. The visit has made me increasingly strongly aware of the seriousness of the disaster. I saw many volunteers, whose efforts, I believe, have made the restoration advance this far. There are things that require the designation of a serious disaster, which is why I want the designation to be made as soon as possible. I will promptly respond to the various requests which are expected to emerge as we go forward."