Japan Considers Major Disaster Declaration for Iwate Wildfire

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that the government is considering designating the ongoing wildfire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, as a major disaster, which would allow for increased state aid for reconstruction. The wildfire, now burning for over a week, has consumed approximately 2,900 hectares and forced over 4,000 evacuations, resulting in one fatality and multiple homes damaged. Ishiba emphasized the need for a quick response to minimize financial burdens on local governments and ensure support for victims. Rainfall has finally arrived, providing hope for extinguishing the fire, which has been exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds. The government plans to assess the situation further to facilitate aid and recovery efforts as firefighting continues. Discussions are also underway regarding the fiscal 2025 budget, which includes provisions for disaster response funding.