Japan's PM Kishida Visits Quake-Hit Noto Amid Criticism of Slow Relief Work

Kishida pledges to improve living conditions and fast-track rebuilding efforts as concerns over health risks in evacuation centers grow.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the quake-hit region of Noto for the first time since the deadly Jan. 1 earthquakes, amid growing criticism of slow relief work and concerns about the spread of diseases in evacuation centers.
The magnitude 7.6 earthquake left 221 dead and more than 20 others still missing while injuring hundreds. More than 20,000 people, many of whom had their homes damaged or destroyed, are taking refuge at about 400 makeshift facilities.
Road damage has hampered rescue efforts, and though relief supplies have reached most regions affected by the quake, hundreds of people in isolated areas are getting little support. Elderly residents, who account for half the population in the hard-hit towns of Noto, Wajima and Suzu, are facing growing risks of deteriorating health.
Kishida pledged to improve the living conditions of the evacuees and to rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods as soon as possible. The cabinet plans to approve a second relief fund of 100 billion yen (nearly $690 million) this week to help people rebuild their lives.
Local and central government officials plan to provide the evacuees free accommodation at hotels and apartments until temporary housing is ready. However, many locals have refused to move out, worried about their destroyed homes, belongings and communities.