Disaster Response, Administrative DX, and Relief Fund Allocation

The press conference explained that rescue and search operations, shelter management, and communications restoration were under way in the affected areas. Relevant institutions and local governments were coordinating to support affected people and provide assistance to local governments.

It was explained that a force of approximately 1,400 people was operating around the clock in rescue activities, having so far rescued 98 people and carried out 620 emergency operations, including rescue and transport.

The press conference outlined measures including securing communications, dispatching personnel to shelters, issuing warnings about false information, digitalizing local government operations, and allocating relief funds. During the question-and-answer session, officials explained the policy of raising the purchase price at collection for rice intended for staple consumption by 1,000 yen per sack over two years, as well as measures for producers.

In areas where communications disruptions continue, fixed-line telephone services remain affected while mobile telephone services are being restored area by area. Equipment is also being installed at shelters to secure communications environments. Telecommunications operators are being asked to provide mutual assistance and lend communications equipment.

Support personnel have been dispatched to affected local governments, and shelter management support by disaster management support teams has begun. Since July 29, 2026, support has been provided to seven affected municipalities.

The circulation and spread of misinformation and false information about the disaster have been confirmed online, and local governments are issuing warnings through official accounts and social media. Residents are being urged to verify information through public institutions such as the government and local governments.

To secure communications, telecommunications operators have established a system for mutual assistance and are lending communications equipment. Equipment is also being installed at shelters to secure communications environments. Mobile telephone services are being restored area by area. Fixed-line telephone services are reportedly still affected, and telecommunications operators are being asked to restore them promptly.

For shelter support, support and dispatched personnel were sent from nine cities and two towns nationwide to seven affected municipalities, and disaster management support teams began providing assistance on July 29, 2026. At present, 79 personnel have been dispatched to the seven affected municipalities. The operation of shelters is being reviewed, and personnel dispatches from each local government are being advanced.

Regarding relief funds, allocation is scheduled to begin on August 4 (Tuesday), 2026, based on reports from affected local governments. Preparations for allocation and the arrangements for allocating funds to each local government are under way.

Regarding the digitalization of local government operations, officials stated that operational issues had been identified through the survey results and that they would consider the necessary initiatives based on those results, as well as how to advance them as appropriate projects. During the question-and-answer session, officials explained the policy of raising the purchase price at collection for rice intended for staple consumption by 1,000 yen per sack over two years, as well as measures for producers.