Residents of Japan’s Noto Peninsula are seeking quick government support for reconstruction after a recent earthquake and heavy rainfall. Many believe it is not the right time for elections, as they face ongoing challenges such as water outages and the closure of local businesses. The community’s sentiment underscores the feeling that the electoral process may not address their urgent needs for recovery and rebuilding.
Residents of Japan’s Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, recently affected by a substantial earthquake on New Year’s Day, are urging the government to provide assistance for rapid reconstruction. Concerns have been raised that the ongoing election process is ill-timed, particularly as the region also suffered from unprecedented heavy rainfall last month. At Wakura Onsen, a significant hot spring resort impacted by the earthquake, employees from closed traditional inns and personnel from the tourism sector gathered to hear the election candidates advocating for reconstruction initiatives. Tazuko Tada, an 88-year-old resident, expressed her distress over the town’s condition, 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.” Further highlighting the challenges faced by local fishermen, an elderly individual at a water supply station in Suzu mentioned the exacerbation of water shortages caused by the dual disasters of earthquake and torrential rain. With the earthquake rendering the local port dysfunctional, he lamented, “I won’t be able to earn a single yen as things stand now. I hope efforts will focus on restoring the fishing port.” Meanwhile, Yoshiaki Sakakado, a 61-year-old who lost his home in Wajima and relocated to an evacuation center, expressed a disinterest in participating in the election due to feelings of hopelessness following recent flooding of his temporary dwelling. He remarked on the logistics of voting, noting that polling station tickets do not reach evacuation centers and that many residents are unaware they can still vote provided their identity is verified. A resident of an evacuation center conveyed his frustrations, stating, “It is not as if anything will change with the election, and I do not know what to hope for.”
In recent events, the Noto Peninsula in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture has encountered significant obstacles following a powerful earthquake that struck on January 1st, coinciding with an unprecedented amount of rainfall in preceding weeks. The disasters have led to serious damages in local infrastructure, particularly affecting the tourism industry and fishing ports critical to the community’s economy. As elections approach, the urgency for governmental aid to facilitate recovery competes with the public’s sentiment regarding the suitability of holding elections amid such calamities. Residents are expressing their despair over the perceived ineffectiveness of the electoral process in improving their dire situation, complicating the decision and motivation to participate in the upcoming elections.
In summary, the residents affected by the natural disasters in Japan’s Noto Peninsula are advocating for immediate government intervention to address reconstruction needs. They are struggling with damaged infrastructure and economic uncertainty, leading to a pervasive feeling of resignation towards the electoral process. While some voters express a desire for change and support, others question the timing and impact of the elections amidst ongoing hardships, highlighting a crucial gap between political actions and the urgent needs of the community.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
