Voters in Ishikawa Prefecture are seeking urgent governmental aid for reconstruction after a strong earthquake on New Year’s Day and damage from record rainfall the following month. Many residents, feeling the weight of their losses, express doubts regarding the upcoming election’s significance amid their pressing need for recovery. Local authorities indicate that voting procedures may impede participation due to displacement, complicating an already challenging situation in the affected areas.
In the aftermath of a severe earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture on New Year’s Day, local voters are urgently appealing for government assistance aimed at quick reconstruction efforts. This appeal comes alongside the community’s distress following significant rainfall that caused further devastation in the area just last month. At the Wakura Onsen hot spring resort in Nanao, which faced considerable damage from the earthquake, tourism industry workers—including employees from closed ryokan inns—gathered to listen to political candidates as they campaigned for the upcoming House of Representatives election, emphasizing the need for support in rebuilding. An elderly resident, Tazuko Tada, aged 88, expressed the community’s sentiment, 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.” Furthermore, a fisherman in his 80s lamented the impact the earthquake and subsequent torrential rains had on his livelihood, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructural restoration, particularly of the fishing port. He conveyed his frustration, saying, “I won’t be able to earn a single yen as things stand now. I hope efforts will focus on restoring the fishing port.” Yoshiaki Sakakado, a 61-year-old resident who lost his home due to the earthquake and was subsequently displaced during the floods, shared his disillusionment regarding the electoral process. He remarked on his lack of motivation to participate in voting due to the circumstances he faced. Additionally, a 62-year-old man residing at an evacuation center expressed his uncertainty about the election’s potential for real change, revealing a common sentiment among the devastated populace. Wajima officials have indicated that polling station tickets are sent only to the addresses on official residency certificates, not to temporary evacuation sites. Voters may not be aware of their eligibility to vote without a ticket, provided they can verify their identity. This situation highlights the challenging environment in which the elections are being held, raising questions about the appropriateness of conducting elections amidst ongoing relief efforts.
The recent earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on January 1 has compounded existing issues faced by the local population due to unprecedented rainfall that occurred a month later. Residents are grappling with the devastation of their homes and infrastructure, which has led to increased calls for government intervention and support to revitalize their communities. The upcoming House of Representatives election is set against this backdrop of disaster and the urgent need for reconstruction efforts. As candidates campaign, residents express their concerns regarding the future viability of their towns and livelihoods, indicating that the timing of the elections may not align with the immediate priorities of recovery and rebuilding.
In conclusion, the heavy toll of the earthquake and subsequent heavy rains in Ishikawa Prefecture has led to significant community disruption and despair as residents prioritize restoration and recovery over the electoral process. Many locals feel disconnected from the political process, expressing skepticism regarding the impact of the elections while facing the daunting challenges ahead. The calls for urgent government support reflect the community’s need for a coordinated rebuilding effort to revive their towns and restore their livelihoods.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
