Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae visited Kumamoto Prefecture on August 3 to assess local needs following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck the area on July 28.

Dressed in disaster response attire, Takaichi flew from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Kumamoto to inspect the damage sustained, visit an evacuation shelter and hold talks with local officials.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru said the purpose of the visit is for the prime minister to see conditions firsthand and understand local needs to enhance support measures for affected communities.

Meanwhile, some have voiced concerns over the timing of Takaichi’s visit, saying she should refrain from going so soon during such hot weather and noting that the trip could place an additional burden on local security and support operations.

Temperatures rose to over 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Kumamoto Prefecture and other locations on the main island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan.