The Japanese government has decided to double the reserve funds in its fiscal 2024 draft budget for the earthquake recovery effort. It says the goal is to help victims of the Noto Peninsula quake rebuild as soon as possible.

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Tuesday approved the increase to 1 trillion yen, or nearly 7 billion dollars, for the fiscal year starting in April.

Lawmakers plan to enact the bill during the upcoming ordinary Diet session due to start later this month.

The government also plans to contribute about 700 million dollars from the fiscal 2023 budget to the recovery effort.
The focus now is on improving conditions at evacuation sites, securing temporary housing, and repairing damaged infrastructure.

The government is urging survivors to move to lodgings outside affected areas for their health and safety.

It plans to draw up a timeframe for infrastructure repairs and temporary housing construction as soon as possible.