Hardest-hit areas the target
Local officials are administering the distribution of public and corporate donations for disaster relief. Residents of six cities and towns particularly hard-hit by the earthquake — Nanao City, Wajima City, Suzu City, Shika Town, Anamizu Town, and Noto Town — can apply.
Applications have been open online and by mail since February 26. From March 18, people can apply in person with counter service available at municipal offices including the Ishikawa Prefectural Office.
More than 50 residents took advantage of the counter service when it first opened at Noto Town Hall, arriving during the early morning to fill out application forms and submit the required documents.
The funds will be distributed between three weeks to a month after an application is submitted.
Assistance for victims
In addition to the individual payments of 50,000 yen, larger amounts are available according to circumstances. Families who lost a loved one — or have one listed as missing — can receive 200,000 yen in donated funds.
People who were seriously injured in the earthquake may qualify for 100,000 yen. Households whose dwelling is completely destroyed can receive 200,000, with lesser amounts between 50,000 and 150,000 yen available for partial damage.
All claimants must be able to provide disaster victim certificates.
As further donations are received, prefectural officials will distribute the funds accordingly.