 |
2014/08/25
DPJ Disaster Response Headquarters surveys disaster-stricken areas, submits emergency requests report to government
|
Kaieda to visit Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture on August 21, to survey the situation in the disaster-stricken area.
Ohata to hand over the emergency requests to the Minister Keiji Furuya on August 25.
|
On August 25, the DPJ Disaster Response Headquarters met to discuss responses to torrential rain and other disasters. Prior to the meeting, assessment teams surveyed areas that were devastated by typhoons and abnormal torrential rain in August. In light of the assessment results, the Headquarters compiled an emergency requests report listing 13 items for the government to address.
Following the meeting, Secretary General Akihiro Ohata, Chair of the Headquarters; Minister of State for Disaster Management of the Next Cabinet Akihisa Nagashima, Secretary General of the Headquarters; and others visited Minister of State for Disaster Management Keiji Furuya. The Headquarters’ delegation handed over the emergency requests report to the Minister and requested the government to take all possible measures towards rescuing and supporting the affected people, rebuilding their livelihoods, and recovering and restoring the affected areas.
The main items in the emergency requests report included:
1. Exert all efforts for the search and rescue of missing people;
2. Meet the needs of disaster victims, including provision of health and psychological care services, and work quickly to help victims rebuild their lives, including the swift restoration of lifelines and implementation of housing measures;
3. Take all possible measures to prevent the recurrence of disasters, including mudslides and landslides;
4. Conduct prompt designation of an “extremely severe disaster”; and
5. Provide adequate public assistance for the disposal of debris and waste.
The typhoons and abnormal torrential rain in August have caused heavy damages in various parts of Japan. On August 4, 11, 18, 20, and 25, the DPJ convened meetings at party headquarters to discuss responses to torrential rain and other disasters under the leadership of the DPJ Disaster Response Headquarters. The DPJ prefectural chapters in the disaster areas also took part in the meetings via web conferencing.
DPJ President Banri Kaieda, on behalf of the party, expressed his deepest condolences to those who lost their lives as a result of the disasters and extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected people. Kaieda was briefed on the local situation and listened to the people’s wishes, and then requested prompt responses to the government. Following this, the Disaster Response Headquarters decided to dispatch assessment teams chaired by Kaieda, Ohata, and others in order to visit the disaster areas, directly survey the situation in the areas, and listen to the wishes and the opinions of the affected people. During his regular press conference on August 20, Ohata stated that he urged the government to do everything it could to quickly rescue the missing people and swiftly restore electricity, water service, and other lifelines. Ohata also stated that he requested prorogation period deliberations at the Special Committee on Disasters of both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
Based on the results of the meetings, Kaieda went to Tamba City in Hyogo Prefecture on August 21 and Anan City and Naka Town in Tokushima Prefecture on August 22. Ohata went to Hiroshima City in Hiroshima Prefecture on August 22. Both visited the afflicted areas and received explanations and requests from local government officials and residents with regard to the situation of the damages, rescue work, and other issues.
Kaieda expressed his respect to the relevant municipalities, workers, and affected people for their fervent efforts. He said, “When the Special Committee on Disasters of both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors convene meetings at the Diet, the DPJ will fully appeal to the government to respond to the requests we received, such as the prompt designation of an ‘extremely severe disaster.’ We will make every effort to ensure that the recovery and restoration work moves forward as quickly as possible.” Regarding the response of the government and ruling parties, Kaieda criticized, “More efforts should be made to rescue the missing people. The Prime Minister should stay at the Prime Minister’s Office and spearhead the response efforts.” Kaieda then expressed the view that the time has come to think comprehensively about community building and nation building, saying, “When it comes to disaster measures, there are no ruling or opposition parties. A comprehensive policy is needed, for example, to protect forests or protect lumber industries. In 2007, the DPJ unveiled the Revitalization Plan for Forestry and Lumber Industries. If necessary, we will update the Plan.”
Ohata stated, “I saw the damages from the mudslides caused by torrential rain that far exceeded my imagination. Workers are responding with the foremost priority being given to rescuing human lives. Nevertheless, along with such efforts, responses needed to be tailored to the situation in the community and take into account the wishes of its people. From what I can tell, there are still far few workers. I will communicate to the government that more personnel are needed.”
Additionally, during his regular press conference on August 26, Kaieda reaffirmed his commitment “to work towards rescuing and finding the missing people as quickly as possible and helping the affected people to rebuild their lives.”
|
|
|
 |
|