 JCP brings 50,000 leaflets on public relief systems to Niigata The Japanese Communist Party printed 50,000 copies of leaflets carrying information about the public relief services that are available to earthquake and flood victims, and on November 6 carried them to Niigata Prefecture. On the same day, the JCP National Relief Center opened its website. This type of help in providing information is now welcomed by evacuees, in addition to relief goods they receive. Sasaki Michio, an evacuee from Yamakoshi Village where all the villagers took shelter, said, "Public financial aid is essential for all of us to return to the village and live from farming. It is beyond the power of individuals." Under the present system, public money can be used to build temporary shelters but not to repair or rebuild damaged houses of individuals. Niigata governor Izumida Hirohiko on November 5 handed to JCP Chair Shii Kazuo who was visiting the prefecture an urgent written request asking for reforms in this system. Volunteers at the JCP Relief Center in the quake-hit area visited shelters to encourage the evacuees to do some exercises so that they can keep their health during the prolonged evacuation. (end) |