ID :
167569
Fri, 03/11/2011 - 18:58
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/167569
The shortlink copeid
Japan gov't takes emergency steps, Kan asks people to remain calm
TOKYO (KYODO) - Prime Minister Naoto Kan set up emergency headquarters on Friday at his office immediately after a devastating earthquake struck northeastern Japan, mobilizing the Self-Defense Forces and other rescue teams to hard-hit areas to help as many people as possible.
''The damage has occurred across a wide range of areas, particularly in the country's northeastern part,'' Kan told an emergency news conference. ''Our government will make all-out efforts to secure people's safety and minimize the damage caused by the earthquake.''
Kan also asked the public to remain calm and keep abreast of the latest information concerning the magnitude 8.8 quake that occurred at 2:46 p.m., the strongest recorded earthquake to hit Japan.
The hard-hit areas have many nuclear plants. But government officials said so far there have been no reports of radiation leaks or other major problems.
Kan nonetheless declared a state of nuclear emergency shortly before 8 p.m. following some cooling-system problems at the No. 2 reactor of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant as urgent steps need to be taken.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano later told a news conference that residents living within three kilometers of the plant need to evacuate just in case.
Edano, the top government spokesman, repeated many times that there had been no radiation leaks and people should not panic about the declaration as its issuance is in line with the law.
Since setting up the special headquarters at 2:50 p.m. and convening the first meeting at 3:14 p.m., Kan and government officials have been holding a series of emergency meetings at the premier's office.
About 8,000 Self-Defense Forces members have been dispatched to Miyagi Prefecture and other affected areas.
In addition, the government called for assistance from U.S. forces stationed in Japan under a bilateral security accord.
Kan also requested all political parties and the private sector to cooperate with the government to address the emergency situation.
During his meeting with party leaders, they agreed on the need for a supplementary budget for the current fiscal year through March 31.
''This earthquake is unprecedented in size...the party will take every possible step,'' said Katsuya Okada, secretary general of Kan's Democratic Party of Japan.
Sadakazu Tanigaki, leader of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, and other political leaders said they will provide full support to the government to help as many people as possible.
''The damage has occurred across a wide range of areas, particularly in the country's northeastern part,'' Kan told an emergency news conference. ''Our government will make all-out efforts to secure people's safety and minimize the damage caused by the earthquake.''
Kan also asked the public to remain calm and keep abreast of the latest information concerning the magnitude 8.8 quake that occurred at 2:46 p.m., the strongest recorded earthquake to hit Japan.
The hard-hit areas have many nuclear plants. But government officials said so far there have been no reports of radiation leaks or other major problems.
Kan nonetheless declared a state of nuclear emergency shortly before 8 p.m. following some cooling-system problems at the No. 2 reactor of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant as urgent steps need to be taken.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano later told a news conference that residents living within three kilometers of the plant need to evacuate just in case.
Edano, the top government spokesman, repeated many times that there had been no radiation leaks and people should not panic about the declaration as its issuance is in line with the law.
Since setting up the special headquarters at 2:50 p.m. and convening the first meeting at 3:14 p.m., Kan and government officials have been holding a series of emergency meetings at the premier's office.
About 8,000 Self-Defense Forces members have been dispatched to Miyagi Prefecture and other affected areas.
In addition, the government called for assistance from U.S. forces stationed in Japan under a bilateral security accord.
Kan also requested all political parties and the private sector to cooperate with the government to address the emergency situation.
During his meeting with party leaders, they agreed on the need for a supplementary budget for the current fiscal year through March 31.
''This earthquake is unprecedented in size...the party will take every possible step,'' said Katsuya Okada, secretary general of Kan's Democratic Party of Japan.
Sadakazu Tanigaki, leader of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, and other political leaders said they will provide full support to the government to help as many people as possible.
