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Thursday, 6th October 2011
In General Japan News,
Draft bill issued to overcome future disasters
The Japanese government has drafted a bill that would enable them to designate certain areas as "special warning zones".
If passed, it would mean buildings set to be constructed in high risk disaster zones would have to be relocated, the Japan Times reported.
Anyone who erected a building for children or the elderly could be imprisoned or fined if they breached the order.
Similarly, anyone who created an unauthorised dike or seawall construction to combat tsunamis would also face reproach.
Central government would provide the funding for prefectures, undertaking geological surveys of coastal regions that could be high risk zones.
Zones at a lesser risk could become "warning zones" where hospitals and other emergency services would be based to prepare emergency evacuation plans, with municipalities controlling private sector evacuation spaces.
The news has come amid revelations some 70 per cent of public donations have now reached victims of the March 11th triple tragedy.
Fukushima prefecture has received 92.4 billion yen (£782 million) out of 227 billion (£1.9 billion) already distributed, with a further 100 billion yen (£846 billion) in reserve.
The most badly affected prefectures, Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate, received above the average at 80 per cent of public donations.
Aid organisations are remaining cautious about their spending, holding on to a total 36.8 billion yen (£311 million) in anticipation of further damage being uncovered.
Meanwhile, a badge-making initiative in Fukushima is raising funds to help victims of the disaster, Mainichi Daily reported.
A workshop for disabled residents of Fukushima was set up by six welfare groups in Minamisoma and one in Haraha to create badges which are then sold to raise funds for the employees.
Sadahiro Sato, project leader, told the news provider: "The disabled people who work here gradually began to smile again. Adjusting to life as evacuees had been very difficult for them."
Posted by Susan Ballion