Japan quake survivors, without power or water, seek news on rebuild plans
A week after a major earthquake struck Japan, thousands of people are still without water and electricity and have yet to be told when rebuilding can begin.
NISHIARAYA, Japan — A week after a major earthquake struck the west coast of Japan, thousands of people are still without water and electricity and have yet to be told when plans to rebuild can begin.
The magnitude 7.6 quake killed at least 168 people on New Year’s Day with 323 reported missing. Sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow and rain have hampered the delivery of aid, leaving thousands with diminishing supplies and little information.
Mudslides, boulders and cracks in the road have buried homes and blocked access routes. Those living in areas that escaped the greatest damage, such as Nishiaraya, a village of 1,000 people on the outskirts of Kanazawa, brave the snow to collect drinking water.
“When will reconstruction begin? When will temporary housing be built? We’re not getting any information,” said Nishiaraya resident Hiroe Kawabe. “If we can’t live here we need to think about leaving. We want information on how long it will take.”
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday that 500 people could be temporarily housed in a sports center in Kanazawa but said more evacuation centers were needed. He said the government was also working to find hotel rooms for evacuees.
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