Japan plans to allocate 100 billion yen to support relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Sunday the government's intention to allocate 100 billion yen from reserve funds to support relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. This support aims to enhance the living conditions of people impacted by the earthquake that struck central Japan on New Year's Day. The Prime Minister made these statements while surveying the aftermath of the quake in Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas, assessing the extent of the damage, and engaging with affected people.

The emergency aid package will include various measures such as securing temporary housing for people affected and the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by the magnitude-7.6 quake on the Noto Peninsula's Sea of Japan coast. Furthermore, the package addresses issues like managing disaster waste and aiding the recovery of industries, including farming, fishing, and tourism.

The death toll from the disaster stood at 221 as of Saturday, with residents in affected areas grappling with issues such as severed roads and a lack of water supply. In a prior decision, Kishida's Cabinet had approved the allocation of 4.74 billion yen from reserve funds under the fiscal 2023 budget to support relief efforts, especially those addressing the challenges faced by residents in the affected region.

Prime Minister Kishida also informed reporters that the government plans to double the reserve funds outlined in the draft budget for fiscal 2024, scheduled to commence in April, from the existing 500 billion yen to 1 trillion yen. During his visit, Prime Minister Kishida conducted an aerial inspection of the situation in Ishikawa Prefecture and visited evacuation centers in Wajima and Suzu. He expressed gratitude to the Self-Defense Forces personnel involved in search and rescue operations during his visit to a base in Wajima.