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TOP > What's up around the Prime Minister > June, 2008

The Prime Minister Visits the Areas Stricken
by the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake


Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Photograph of the Prime Minister offering encouragement to the people afflicted by the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake Photograph of the Prime Minister offering encouragement to the people afflicted by the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake Photograph of the Prime Minister offering encouragement to the people afflicted by the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake
Photograph of the Prime Minister listening to the explanations about the extent of the damage caused by the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake Photograph of the Prime Minister offering encouragement to the children at a site afflicted by the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake

Click photographs to enlarge


Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda visited areas afflicted by the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake, which occurred on June 14, registering upper 6 on the Japanese seismic scale. There he inspected the extent of the damage and offered encouragement to people at evacuation centers.

Prime Minister Fukuda took a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter and from the air observed some of the seriously-affected areas, including the areas along national highway No. 398, Aratozawa Dam, Komanoyu Onsen inn, and Yabitsu Dam. Afterwards, he visited two evacuation centers: Hondera Elementary School in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture and Shakunage Center in Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture. After receiving explanations about the extent of the damage, the Prime Minister encouraged the people, talking directly to evacuees and also to children at Hondera Elementary School, which had resumed classes the previous day.

After the visit, Prime Minister Fukuda said, "By all means I want a rapid restoration. Immediate restoration work is especially needed in places where rivers have been dammed up. Also, many people are experiencing difficulties accessing water, electricity, and other services. The restoration of these essential utilities is the top priority for the affected cities and prefectures. The central government is doing the utmost to support them, and I expect that a smooth restoration can be achieved by their all-out efforts."