[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister on Damages Resulting from the Heavy Rains That Began on July 1

(On damages resulting from the heavy rains that began on July 1)

Even now we are continuing our work to assess the damage situation. In particular, mudflows in the vicinity of the Izusan district of the city of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture have caused tremendous damage, engulfing multiple people and a large number of houses, among other incidents. I express my heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been affected by the disaster.

Police, firefighters, and members of the Japan Coast Guard and Self-Defense Forces are currently going all out in conducting rescue and relief activities and search operations, but meteorological conditions make it impossible to fly helicopters or drones. We are continuing to press forward with our rescue operations while staying highly vigilant to the possibility of secondary disasters.

Because the rains have fallen over an extended period, the ground has become loose. I urge everyone to pay close attention to weather conditions and take actions that will protect their own lives.