PRESS CONFERENCE BY PM TAKAICHI SANAE ON THE EARTHQUAKE CENTERED OFF THE EASTERN COAST OF AOMORI PREFECTURE AND OFF THE COAST OF HOKKAIDO AND SANRIKU SUBSEQUENT EARTHQUAKE ADVISORY

TOKYO, Dec. 8 -- Prime Minister and His Cabinet issued the following information:

[Opening Statement by Prime Minister Takaichi] Good morning. With regard to the earthquake that occurred last night off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture, we have so far received reports of 30 injuries and one residential fire. The government continues to gather information on the damage. In addition, due to this earthquake, the likelihood of a large earthquake occurring from Hokkaido to the Sanriku offshore region is now assessed to be higher than normal. Accordingly, the "Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory" has been issued. Please understand that it remains uncertain whether a large earthquake will actually occur. On t...