Abe Vows to Restore Quake-Damaged Key Infrastructure

Tokyo, June 18 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed Monday to make all-out efforts to restore critical infrastructure damaged by a powerful earthquake that hit western Japan areas in the morning. "Damage on the key infrastructure remains," Abe told a meeting of relevant cabinet members to deal with the disaster. "I want you to make utmost efforts to restore public transport, gas, water and other services." He also called for ensuring the safety of schools and securing food and other necessities for evacuees. The quake measured lower 6, the third-highest level in Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7, in some cities in Osaka Prefecture, including Takatsuki. The quake, which occurred around 7:58 a.m. (10:58 p.m. Sunday GMT) and had an estimated magnitude of 6.1, killed three people, including a nine-year-old girl, and left over 250 people injured in and outside the prefecture. "I deeply pray for the souls of those who died and express my heartfelt sympathy for all those who have been injured," Abe also said. With the girl's death caused by a collapsed wall of an elementary school swimming pool facility in Takatsuki, the government will examine the safety of elementary and junior high school commuting routes across the country. At a meeting of the central government and ruling parties, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said he has instructed relevant government agencies to check the safety of walls along school routes. The central government established a disaster response task force at the prime minister's office soon after the quake occurred. END