Following a series of storms, including the worst typhoon in decades, the government is ramping up spending on rescue, repair and cleanup. But there's a catch: There are more shovels than hands.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration has agreed to use ¥700 million for immediate disaster relief and may request more money to finance construction after Typhoon Hagibis tore through much of Honshu this month, killing 79 with seven still missing.

"We'll take fiscal steps, including a supplementary budget if necessary, so that disaster-hit local governments can do the utmost on rebuilding," Abe said.