Tokyo, Nov. 2 (Jiji Press)–The head of Japan’s new National Disaster Management Agency, which was launched Monday, urged people to stockpile food and secure furniture as part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparations in normal times. At a press conference, Goshi Hosono, who became the first chief of the agency, noted that there are limits to what the central and local governments can do in the event of a massive disaster. “I hope that you all take proper action,” he said. Under the “emergency request,” the agency urged people to take comprehensive measures, such as securing furniture to walls, stocking up on food and water, and checking the locations of evacuation shelters. The agency has also issued similar requests to central government ministries and agencies, and to local governments. Ministries and agencies were asked to review their business continuity plans and ensure that companies are implementing effective disaster prevention measures. Local governments were requested to take steps to improve evacuation center conditions and to assist individuals who may have difficulties returning home in the event of a disaster. The agency will assess their progress at the end of the year and may exercise its right to make recommendations and request changes to budgets if necessary. According to the Cabinet Office, 20 of Japan’s 47 prefectures are expected to experience quakes with an intensity of upper 6, the second-highest level on the Japanese seismic scale, or higher in the event of a possible megaquake in the Nankai Trough off the Pacific coast of central to southwestern Japan, while four prefectures may face similar shaking in the Chishima and Japan trenches off the Pacific coast of northern to eastern Japan. By next summer, the Japanese government is expected to decide where to establish an envisaged disaster prevention bureau, a local organization tasked with implementing measures in response to major earthquakes. As of the end of last month, 49 organizations nationwide had expressed interest in hosting such a bureau. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
