Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary

JAPANESE

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I will now give a report on the latest situation as we understand it so far.

First, an update on developments following the hydrogen explosion in the Unit 3 reactor at the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. As you know, we have been announcing the monitored radiation levels in the area around the power station. At present, no unusual readings have been detected. The work of supplying water to the reactor was interrupted for a time as a result of the explosion, and a team of people on the scene are working at present to restart this process. As of now, the latest data is stable for all reactors, and we are working on a long-term recommencement of water supply operations.

Following the explosion in Unit 1 and Unit 3, the cooling system stopped in another reactor, Unit 2 and water levels are falling. Therefore adding to Unit 1 and Unit 3, where water supply operations were already underway, and preparations for injecting sea water into Unit 3 are underway.

Regarding those people who were injured in the explosion, the four individuals attached to the Self-Defense Forces suffered only light injuries and we have received reports that they have already returned to their units. The remaining seven individuals, who are affiliated with TEPCO, received injuries of varying degrees of severity. We understand that one of these individuals is seriously injured. Early reports suggested that the person in question was still conscious, and no further information has come in since then. As far as the people still inside the 20km evacuation zone are concerned, our instructions for them to take refuge indoors were lifted at 14:12, and we are now urging them to recommence evacuation of the area as soon as they possibly can.

I believe there has already been an announcement to this effect from the Bank of Japan, but we have received a report that a decision has been taken by the Monetary Policy Meeting to expand the funds available for the Bank's asset purchase program from \5 trillion to \10 trillion.

Regarding the fire on the premises of the Tohoku Electric Power Company's Haramachi Thermal Power Station, it is our understanding based on a report issued to the prefectural authorities by the Minami Soma fire department at 15:30 that a crane inside the power station collapsed and that the crane's fuel has ignited. The fire department is currently fighting to prevent the fire from spreading.

With regard to contingency funds to cover the cost of material assistance, the government will provide 30.2 billion yen entirely at national government expense as an initial measure to cover food, water, blankets, medicine, and other daily necessities. A cabinet order approving this measure will be issued at the following round robin Cabinet meeting later today.

Reports suggest that the situation in the affected areas is extremely severe, particularly for those who have been forced to evacuate their homes. The prime minister expressed a strong desire to visit the afflicted areas himself in order to gain a first-hand understanding of the situation and the difficult conditions faced by those in evacuation centers. Following consultations with parties in the affected areas, however, it was decided that it would not be easy to accommodate a visit of the prime minster at this stage, given that the ongoing assistance and rescue operations still underway. For the time being, we have decided that the most effective approach is for us to continue to make effort to respond to the needs of parties in the afflicted areas based on accurate information we receive from them.