Calls for Reconstruction Support Amid Election Discontent in…

In Ishikawa Prefecture, residents affected by a New Year’s Day earthquake are seeking urgent government support for reconstruction, expressing concerns about the timing of the upcoming elections. Many locals associated with tourism and fishing industries voice their frustrations and feelings of disillusionment regarding the electoral process amid ongoing recovery challenges from recent disasters, including record rainfall.

Residents of Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly those affected by a significant earthquake on the Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day, are urgently appealing for governmental aid for rapid reconstruction. The calls for support come amidst concerns that the ongoing election process is ill-timed, especially following unprecedented heavy rainfall that impacted the region last month. In the vicinity of the Wakura Onsen hot spring resort in Nanao, several workers from closed “ryokan” inns and other sectors of the tourism industry gathered to listen to candidates engage in campaigning for the House of Representatives election, with a particular emphasis on reconstruction initiatives. Tazuko Tada, an 88-year-old resident, expressed her sentiments, 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.” Additionally, a local fisherman in his 80s voiced his frustrations while at a water supply station in Suzu, acknowledging the severe damage inflicted by both the earthquake and the heavy rains. He highlighted that the coastal uplift from the quake has rendered the port inoperable, culminating in financial difficulties for the fishing community. Meanwhile, Yoshiaki Sakakado, a 61-year-old man who lost his home in Wajima due to the earthquake and subsequently suffered through flooding at an evacuation center, indicated his lack of motivation to participate in the voting process, sharing that his vehicle had been submerged by the recent floods. Wajima officials pointed out that polling station tickets are typically dispatched solely to the addresses listed on voters’ residency certificates, thereby excluding those residing in evacuation centers. This led to some residents being unaware that they could still exercise their right to vote, provided they could verify their identities. “It is not as if anything will change with the election, and I do not know what to hope for,” lamented a 62-year-old evacuee, reflecting a prevailing sentiment of resignation among the affected population.

The residents of Japan’s Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day, compounded by extreme weather conditions that facilitated substantial flooding in the preceding month. In light of these natural disasters, the local populace is advocating for expedited governmental aid to rebuild their communities and restore economic vitality, particularly concerning the tourism and fishing industries which are vital to the region’s livelihood. Amid efforts to support candidates in the upcoming general election, many citizens are expressing reluctance to engage in the electoral process during a period of significant distress, resulting in a complex intersection of political and societal challenges.

In conclusion, the residents of Ishikawa Prefecture are united in their call for government support to facilitate rapid recovery from the devastating impacts of both the recent earthquake and the severe flooding. While engaging in the electoral process, many feel disillusioned and lack motivation, reflecting the community’s broader concerns regarding the adequacy of governmental responses to their immediate needs. As the election approaches, the voices of the residents highlight a critical need for proactive measures to support reconstruction and recovery in the face of adversity.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net