Quake Aid Package Raises Questions About Japan's Disaster Response The Japanese government's decision to finalize an aid package by end August for quake hit Kumamoto is a welcome development, but it also highlights the country's patchwork approach to disaster response.
The draft plan includes subsidies for repairing railway infrastructure, wells, and assistance for farmers, fishermen, and forestry workers with facility repairs and loan interest.
This piecemeal approach to disaster response has been evident in Japan's past experiences with major quakes.