Ishikawa Residents Call for Support Amidst Disaster Recovery Efforts

Residents of Ishikawa Prefecture, affected by a severe earthquake and heavy rains, are urging government support for quick recovery efforts while expressing skepticism about the upcoming elections. Many are grappling with loss and uncertainty regarding their voting rights amidst ongoing crises, leading to a feeling of disillusionment.

In the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day, residents of Ishikawa Prefecture are vocalizing their urgent need for government aid to support reconstruction efforts. This natural disaster, compounded by historical heavy rainfall experienced last month, has led some to express that the timing of elections is inappropriate. At the Wakura Onsen hot spring resort in Nanao, where the earthquake caused significant damage, staff from closed “ryokan” inns and other tourism sector employees attended campaign events for candidates in the forthcoming House of Representatives election who are promoting their reconstruction platforms. Eighty-eight-year-old Tazuko Tada emphasized the necessity of reviving the inns, 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.” Meanwhile, an elderly fisherman from Suzu, who is facing ongoing water supply issues due to the disaster, expressed that the unusable port and its coastal uplift have left him with no means to sustain himself financially, declaring, “I won’t be able to earn a single yen as things stand now. I hope efforts will focus on restoring the fishing port.” As a result of the quake, Yoshiaki Sakakado, a resident who lost his home in Wajima, shared his feelings of disillusionment regarding the elections, as he sought refuge in an evacuation center after subsequent floods affected his temporary housing. He confessed to feeling “unmotivated to go vote” after his vehicle had been submerged. Adding to the confusion, Wajima officials noted that polling station tickets are typically dispatched only to the address on a voter’s residency certificate, omitting evacuation centers. Despite this, residents may still vote if their identity can be verified, an option not commonly understood. One 62-year-old evacuee expressed uncertainty, saying, “It’s not as if anything will change with the election, and I don’t know what to hope for.”

On January 1, a substantial earthquake impacted the Noto Peninsula in Japan, creating widespread concern among the local population who are still grappling with the effects. Alongside the earthquake, the region has suffered unprecedented heavy rainfall, leading to compounded difficulties in recovery efforts. In the wake of these disasters, residents are facing infrastructure challenges, including water outages and damage to the tourism sector, which is vital for the area’s economy. The impending elections amid such crises have raised concerns regarding their appropriateness and the voters’ ability to participate meaningfully.

In conclusion, the residents of Ishikawa Prefecture are navigating significant challenges in the wake of both an earthquake and severe flooding, which have fundamentally disrupted their lives and livelihoods. While they are seeking government support for rapid reconstruction, there exists a palpable sentiment questioning the relevance of the forthcoming elections in light of their urgent recovery needs. This situation calls for enhanced awareness and community support to ensure the voices of affected individuals are heard as they seek to restore their region and rebuild their lives.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net