Speech at the memorial ceremony held in Fukushima
Emphasis on the need for mid- to long-term response to nuclear disasters
On the 11th, the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended a memorial ceremony held in Fukushima Prefecture and emphasized that he would strive to rebuild the Tohoku region and create a country that is resistant to disasters. .
According to local public broadcasters NHK and Fuji News Network (FNN), Prime Minister Kishida attended the Great East Japan Earthquake Memorial Restoration Ceremony held in Fukushima Prefecture on this day and held a moment of silence at 2:46 p.m., the time of the earthquake.
Later, in a memorial speech, he said, “The huge earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident robbed many residents of the prefecture of their daily lives.”
He said, “I still can’t bear the sadness when I think about the hearts of those who lost their most beloved family, relatives, and friends.” She repeatedly added, “I offer my condolences.”
Prime Minister Kishida said, “Recovery from nuclear disaster requires a mid- to long-term response. He emphasized, “The country will continue to stand at the forefront and provide safe and reliable decommissioning of roads, improvement of living environments for the return of (refugees), and support for industrial and livelihood regeneration.”
In addition, regarding the magnitude 7.6 earthquake on the Noto Peninsula that occurred on January 1 of this year, he said, “In the Noto Peninsula earthquake, we received warm and reliable support that took into account the experience and wisdom of the Great East Japan Earthquake in Fukushima,” and “We have weathered the lessons learned through great sacrifice.” “I will save people by responding to natural disasters without doing anything,” he said.
He then said emphatically, “I once again firmly pledge to pursue the creation of a country that is resistant to disasters.”
On March 11, 2011, at 2:46 p.m., a magnitude 9 earthquake occurred off the coast of Tohoku. It’s the Great East Japan Earthquake. A tsunami measuring more than 10 meters hit the Tohoku coast. A large tsunami also struck the Kanto region.
As a result, power to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was lost, causing a meltdown in which nuclear fuel melted in the reactor. A large amount of radioactive material was released. As a result, contaminated water containing radioactive substances continues to be generated.
According to the National Police Agency, as of the 1st, the number of deaths from the Great East Japan Earthquake reached 15,900. There are 2,520 missing people. The number of disaster-related deaths due to long-term evacuation, etc. was 3,802. There has been an increase of 10 people over the past year.
According to the Reconstruction Agency, the number of people still sheltering in place was 29,328 as of February 1. Of these, Fukushima Prefecture residents account for 90%.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.