Mayor of Suzu Urges Quick Demolition of Earthquake-Damaged Buildings

The mayor of Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture, is pushing for the swift demolition of buildings damaged in the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake. Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya emphasized the importance of removing the damaged structures to facilitate the rebuilding of people’s lives and livelihoods.

With approximately 7,500 buildings expected to be demolished due to the earthquake, Izumiya stressed the urgency of the situation to prevent a population outflow. Despite the widespread damage, he highlighted Suzu’s efforts to preserve local forests, sea and coastal areas, and the Oku-Noto Triennale festival, indicating a commitment to incorporating art and advanced technologies in the reconstruction process.

Suzu was one of the hardest-hit areas in the 7.6-magnitude quake, but Izumiya noted that residents have started to see signs of recovery since the Golden Week holiday period. He called for continued support for disaster-affected areas during a conference where he exchanged views with Minamisanriku Mayor Jin Sato.

Sato, whose town was severely impacted by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, emphasized the importance of pre-planning for disaster relief operations. He shared the challenges faced by Minamisanriku due to the loss of many town officials in the disaster, highlighting the need for local governments to have contingency plans in place.

Izumiya expressed gratitude for the preparedness of a municipality that sent staff to assist Minamisanriku, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in disaster response efforts. The collaboration between the two mayors serves as a reminder of the resilience and solidarity needed in times of crisis.