Some disaster-hit homes that have sustained only partial damage will be eligible for up to 1 million yen for their reconstruction, after the government expands its aid system.
To change the existing system, the government aims to submit a bill to revise the Law Concerning Support for Reconstructing Livelihoods of Disaster Victims to a Diet session within this fiscal year at the earliest.
Under the current support system, if 20% to 40% of a home is damaged, it is classified as partly destroyed and not eligible for aid. The revision will add a category of homes with 30% to 40% damage as being eligible for aid.
If repairs will be made, 500,000 yen will be provided. For building or purchasing a new home, 1 million yen will be given, while those who will rent a home will be provided with 250,000 yen.
When 50% or more of a home is damaged, it is classified as totally destroyed, and when 40% to 50% is damaged, it is classified as seriously damaged. The amounts for these type will be unchanged at up to 3 million yen and up to 2.5 million yen, respectively.
For the repair of homes with 20% to 30% damage, the government aims to let owners use an aid system under the Disaster Relief Law that provides up to about 600,000 yen.
In a survey the Cabinet Office conducted on victims of disasters including the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016, the average cost to repair homes damaged 20% to 30% was about 1.63 million yen, but this cost was about 4.67 million yen when damage was 30% to 40%.
In 2018, the National Governors' Association proposed to the government to expand the aid system's coverage.
The new system "will provide harmonious and seamless support," a Cabinet Office official said, emphasizing the significance of the expansion if it is realized.
Ryota Takeda, minister of state for disaster management, said at a press conference Tuesday, "From now on, we want to further improve [the aid system] through a wide range of discussions."
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