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.

61946    Greater efforts are called for to make logistic routes secured for transportation of supplies via land, sea and air.

61947    In addition, a system to quickly, evenly and timely distribute the necessary supplies to all of the victims should be devised.