1/12: Isolation has mostly been resolved, but shortage of supplies continues, young people leaves Machino behind elderly

January 12, 2024, Chunichi Shimbun
Source: https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/836327
孤立解消も物資不足深刻　輪島・町野町　高齢者取り残され
Reported by Tomoki Okamura, Chunichi Shimbun
English Translation by Water Tsushima

Isolation has mostly been resolved, but shortage of supplies continues, young people leaves Machino behind elderly

Due to the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the isolation in the Machino district of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has mostly been resolved, but the shortage of supplies continues. While the isolation alert has been lifted in some areas, young people who were involved in rescue efforts immediately after the earthquake have evacuated the region, leaving behind the elderly.

According to residents, after the earthquake on the first day, roads connecting Wajima City and Noto Town were blocked by soil and rocks, leading to isolation. External fire departments and Self-Defense Forces reportedly entered around the third day. As of the 10th day, it is now possible to enter the area by detouring through closed prefectural roads using hand-written signs like “←Machino.”

“There’s an old lady trapped in our house.” Immediately after the earthquake, cries for help resonated in the Asukura district in the center of Machino. Kentaro Yamamoto (33), who had returned to Asukura from Aichi Prefecture, rescued an elderly woman in her 80s who was buried under a collapsed house while lying down. Other young people who were home on vacation also contributed to rescuing the elderly, breaking down walls and dragging them out.

As the isolation was resolved, people also started leaving Machino. Yamamoto says, “Young people are leaving (the area) by car. The ones left are mostly the elderly,” expressing concern about the future of the community.

Shunji Kaneda (74), who lives in Asukura, gazes at the collapsed houses, saying, “There were about 85 households in Asukura, but only three houses are standing in a condition where you can sleep.” He lamented the scarcity of supplies, saying, “On the 10th, we only got one cup noodle and one rice ball each, and a 200-milliliter bottle of water.” A man in charge of operating the evacuation center expressed frustration, stating, “Isolation has somehow settled, but now it’s about running the evacuation center. There’s no water, electricity, or food. Everything is in trouble.”

Eisui Matsuda (69), the head priest of Chokoji Temple on the hill in Suzuya, Machino, overlooking the village, commented, “Machino used to thrive as a transportation hub, but now it’s almost in a state of devastation.” He understands the sentiment of young people leaving but hopes to rebuild the hometown when things calm down.