61931    Along with saving lives, it is a task of utmost importance to extend relief to the victims' suffering from emotional and physical fatigue and to support them with food, clothing and shelter for the time being.

61932    It is necessary to develop a nationwide rescue operation involving private corporations and the people residing outside the disaster area, not to mention the central and local governments and the institutions concerned.

61933    For that purpose, we first want to call for strong leadership from the government.

61934    Upon his visit to the disaster area, Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama must have seen and heard the situation where people scoop and drink tap water spouting on the street and three people are sharing one rice ball.

61935    He must get going to fulfill his commitment to "do whatever possible" immediately.

61936    The same evening when the victims of the earthquake are suffering from inadequate supplies of water and food, neon lights illuminate the streets and restaurants are doing brisk business downtown in neighboring Osaka.

61937    There is plenty of water and food once we leave the disaster area.

61938    This is the difference from living as evacuees in the ashes of war.

61939    Fortunately, water, food, medical supplies and daily necessities have been offered continuously from private corporations and the public.

61940    Goods and materials being sent out by the central government as well as local governments across the country are continuing to grow to an enormous amount.

61941    The problem is that the system to quickly deliver these relief supplies to the disaster area and to efficiently distribute them among the residents is not functioning properly.

61942    Is there any way to breakthrough the situation where we cannot support the victims' immediate livelihood despite the fact that there are goods available?

61943    Local streets that had escaped the damage have been helplessly congested and the relief supplies are left standing everywhere.

61944    Some preferential treatment of the vehicles for the rescue and relief purposes has been implemented, but it has not reached the point where it is sufficient.

61945    There must be numerous restrictions from a legal point of view, but we are in a state of emergency.