Disaster response package for July rainstorms

August 2 , 2020

The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe adopted a policy package in response to the torrential rains and flooding that struck Kyushu and other regions last month. The package, which reflects numerous recommendations put forward by Komeito, will earmark 101.7 billion yen in humanitarian and financial assistance to homeowners, farmers and stricken companies, among others.

Under the package, a reconstruction support fund will be established to rebuild homes classified as being fully destroyed, with homeowners entitled to receive a maximum of 3 million yen. Komeito is also pushing for similar assistance to be made available for lesser-damaged homes, which the government is currently preparing to adopt.

The aid includes special grants and subsidies to small business operators, providing up to 75% of the cost to repair water damage to facility and equipment. Up to 500 million yen will also be extended to companies burdened by other losses incurred from such natural disasters as the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake and the ongoing pandemic.