Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae / We intend to designate this disaster as an “Extremely Severe Disaster” for recovery projects involving public infrastructure, farmland, and other affected areas.

If the government designates the Kumamoto earthquake as an "Extremely Severe Disaster," affected municipalities can receive greater national financial support through measures such as increased government subsidies for reconstruction projects.

Takaichi added that the Cabinet will approve more than 20 billion yen in reserve funds on August 4 to accelerate recovery efforts.

Prime Minister Takaichi urged local governments not to let financial concerns delay their response efforts.

Takaichi also announced special relief measures for quake victims. Deadlines for procedures such as driver's license renewals and restaurant permits will be extended, effective retroactively from July 28.