Calls for Reconstruction Support Amid Elections in Japan’s Earthquake-Hit Noto Peninsula

Residents of Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly on the Noto Peninsula, are calling for governmental support for rebuilding following a New Year’s Day earthquake and heavy rainfall. Individuals have expressed concerns about the timing of the elections as they prioritize recovery efforts. Locals, including hot spring inn staff and fishermen, are seeking swift assistance to restore their livelihoods, while some voters feel disillusioned with the electoral process amidst ongoing hardships.

Voters in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly on the Noto Peninsula, are expressing a pressing need for government assistance in the wake of a significant earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day. This plea for support comes alongside concerns regarding the timing of the upcoming elections, as many locals believe that the immediate focus should be on recovery efforts, especially following a period of unprecedented heavy rainfall that further complicated their situation. At the Wakura Onsen hot spring resort in Nanao, which suffered considerable damage from the earthquake, individuals from closed inns and the local tourism sector gathered to hear candidates’ speeches related to their plans for reconstruction. One local, Mrs. Tazuko Tada, age 88, emphasized the importance of revitalizing the town, stating, “If the inns do not reopen, the town will not regain its vitality. I want support to quickly restore our former hot spring town.” An elderly fisherman in Suzu also voiced his frustrations regarding the aftermath of the dual disasters. The coastal uplift caused by the quake has rendered the local port nonoperational, leading him to lament, “I won’t be able to earn a single yen as things stand now. I hope efforts will focus on restoring the fishing port.” Yoshiaki Sakakado, 61 years old, shared his feelings of disillusionment after losing his home in Wajima. Relocated to an evacuation center following heavy rainfall, he admitted to feeling disconnected from the electoral process, commenting that he was “unmotivated to go vote” due to the pervasive hardships. Furthermore, local officials have indicated that polling station tickets are only dispatched to registered addresses, potentially leaving evacuees unaware that they can still vote if their identity is verified. A man residing in an evacuation center also expressed his uncertainty regarding the election’s relevance, stating, “It’s not as if anything will change with the election, and I don’t know what to hope for.” Given the difficulties faced by the community in the wake of these natural disasters, many locals remain apprehensive about their future and the potential for change through the political process.

The region of Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan, particularly the Noto Peninsula, has recently been affected by a severe earthquake on New Year’s Day, followed by record heavy rainfall that has exacerbated the recovery challenges. The earthquake and subsequent flooding have led to significant infrastructural damage, particularly impacting the local tourism and fishing industries. In response to these adversities, residents are advocating for urgent governmental support to aid in the restoration of their community, coinciding with the timing of elections for the House of Representatives. Many citizens express skepticism about the elections, questioning their effectiveness in eliciting positive change during this dire situation.

The residents of Ishikawa Prefecture are currently navigating a challenging landscape marked by the devastation of a recent earthquake and relentless rainfall, which have disrupted their livelihoods and community infrastructure. As they prepare for an upcoming election, many voters are advocating for immediate governmental assistance to facilitate reconstruction efforts, while simultaneously expressing doubts regarding the significance of the electoral process. The voices of the villagers, echoing the need for support and revitalization, underscore the urgency of their request for action amidst the political discourse.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net