Abe Visits Flood-Hit Areas in Ehime Pref.

July 13, 2018

Seiyo, Ehime Pref.- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the cities of Seiyo and Ozu in Ehime Prefecture Friday morning to observe areas damaged by floods from torrential rain that hit western Japan recently.

Abe offered silent prayers for those who lost their lives in the disaster. He also encouraged Self-Defense Forces personnel working to supply water to affected residents.

Before leaving for Ehime, Abe attended the fifth meeting of the government's disaster response task force, held at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, and said over 5,500 volunteers have arrived in disaster-hit areas.

"I want to express my respect and gratitude" to the volunteers, he said.

While urging the volunteers to be properly equipped with safety gear and take care not to suffer heatstroke during their support activities, Abe said he wants the public and private sectors to join forces in helping affected people and communities. Jiji Press