Noto Peninsula Residents Seek Governmental Support for…

Voters in Noto Peninsula, devastated by a recent earthquake and heavy rainfall, are appealing for swift government support for reconstruction efforts. Many feel that elections are ill-timed amidst such crises, with some expressing disillusionment about the possibility of change. Key local figures stress the importance of restoring vital infrastructure and services to revive the community.

In Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Peninsula, voters are urgently requesting governmental assistance for rapid reconstruction following a devastating earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day. Many individuals feel that holding elections during such dire circumstances is inappropriate, especially in light of the record-breaking heavy rainfall that also affected the region last month. At Wakura Onsen, a hot spring resort in Nanao, employees from affected ryokan inns and the tourism sector listened as candidates in the upcoming House of Representatives election delivered speeches centered on the need for rehabilitation efforts. An elderly resident, 88-year-old Tazuko Tada, expressed the sentiment of many when she stated, “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 distress over water supply issues in Suzu, a city still grappling with the aftermath of both the earthquake and torrential rains, lamenting, “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, 61-year-old Yoshiaki Sakakado, who lost his home in Wajima and currently resides in an evacuation center, has expressed a lack of motivation to participate in the elections due to the flooding of his vehicle. Local officials noted that polling station tickets are not generally dispatched to evacuation centers, leading some residents to be unaware that they can still vote if they verify their identity. A 62-year-old man living in an evacuation center shared, “It’s not as if anything will change with the election, and I don’t know what to hope for.”

The Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, has been severely impacted by natural disasters, including a significant earthquake on January 1 and subsequent heavy rainfall. These events have led to widespread destruction, causing disruptions in local amenities, including water supply and tourism. The region is now facing the daunting task of recovery, with residents urging governmental intervention to assist in rebuilding efforts. This situation has coincided with the electoral process in Japan, raising concerns among voters who feel that the timing of elections is inappropriate given the hardships they are enduring.

In summary, the residents of Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Peninsula are calling for immediate governmental assistance to facilitate reconstruction in the wake of the recent earthquake and heavy rains. Many individuals express feelings of disillusionment regarding the electoral process during this crisis, questioning the potential for real change. The situation underscores the urgent need for both support and awareness regarding voting procedures amidst such tumultuous circumstances.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net