Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made his first inspection tour to Ishikawa Prefecture to assess the damage caused by a deadly earthquake in January and heavy rain in September. He visited areas affected by the natural disasters, including flood-hit homes and temporary housing for quake survivors.
Speaking to residents at a shelter in Wajima, Ishiba emphasized the government’s responsibility to provide the best living conditions in evacuation centers for disaster survivors. He also pledged to provide additional funding for the recovery of the disaster-hit regions.
The devastating magnitude 7.6 quake in January resulted in over 400 casualties, while the recent heavy rain claimed at least 14 lives. Alongside Ishiba, opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda also visited Ishikawa to inspect flood-damaged areas and criticized the use of reserve funds for disaster recovery.
Despite differing views on funding, both leaders emphasized the importance of supporting and rebuilding the affected communities in Ishikawa Prefecture.
© KYODO