The number of applications for public assistance in February was 2,1, an increase of more than 9321% compared to February last year. The rate of increase is the second largest since April 5, when the first state of emergency was declared.
The increase is partly due to the fact that the number of people applying for benefits was lower than usual last year, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. There are now 164,2915 people receiving public assistance, up 7300 from February 2013.