Voters in Japan’s Noto Plea for Reconstruction Amidst Quake and Rain Challenges

Residents of Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly on the Noto Peninsula, are calling for government assistance for reconstruction following an earthquake and heavy rainfall. Many express concern that the upcoming elections are ill-timed, given their ongoing hardships. Community sentiments reflect a desire for swift recovery rather than electoral engagement, with residents voicing doubts about the process and its impact on their lives.

Voters in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly in Noto Peninsula, are urgently requesting government assistance for reconstruction efforts following a formidable earthquake that occurred on New Year’s Day. Recent record rainfall exacerbated their plight, prompting calls from residents who feel that holding elections amidst such devastation is inappropriate. At the Wakura Onsen hot spring resort in Nanao, candidates vying for seats in the House of Representatives articulated platforms focused on restoration. In reflecting the community’s sentiments, Tazuko Tada, an 88-year-old resident, emphasized, “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 in Suzu expressed deep concern over recurring water outages, stating that the earthquake and floods combined had driven many local residents away. He lamented the loss of his livelihood, articulating, “I won’t be able to earn a single yen as things stand now. I hope efforts will focus on restoring the fishing port.” The situation is particularly dire for Yoshiaki Sakakado, a 61-year-old man who lost his home in Wajima due to the earthquake and is now living in an evacuation center. He expressed his demotivation to participate in the upcoming elections, noting his submerged vehicle as a symbol of his disconnection from the process. The lack of awareness about voting procedures has compounded the frustrations of those residing in evacuation centers, as they are often unfamiliar with the ability to vote without a polling ticket under specific circumstances. One resident at an evacuation center voiced his resignation regarding the situation, stating simply, “It is not as if anything will change with the election, and I do not know what to hope for.”

The Noto Peninsula region of Japan has recently endured a series of natural disasters, including a significant earthquake on New Year’s Day and unprecedented heavy rainfall in the preceding month. These events have severely impacted local infrastructure, displacing residents and disrupting economic activities, primarily in the tourism and fishing industries. Amidst these challenges, residents are set to participate in upcoming elections, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of holding such events in the wake of ongoing recovery efforts. The community’s focus remains on immediate reconstruction, yet political candidates are actively campaigning for support as they seek to address these pressing issues.

In summary, the residents of Ishikawa Prefecture are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and subsequent heavy rains, prioritizing reconstruction efforts over electoral participation. While candidates advocate for recovery in their campaigns, many locals express skepticism about the elections’ potential impact and highlight their urgent need for government support to restore their communities and livelihoods. The emotional toll and practical challenges faced by those affected signify a pressing need for awareness and action from authorities and society alike.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net