Japan: New National Agency Targets Megaquake Preparedness

Japan established a new national disaster management agency on Monday to address gaps in its emergency infrastructure. The move responds to concerns that the country lacks a centralized command structure for major crises. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will lead the agency, which will coordinate preparedness, emergency response, and reconstruction efforts.

The new body employs more than 350 workers. It aims to prepare the nation for potential megathrust earthquakes along the Pacific coast, a major quake in Tokyo, or an eruption of Mount Fuji. Officials stated the agency is not being created for one specific event but to fill a structural void in national planning. This follows the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which killed nearly 20,000 people and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Reconstruction Minister Goshi Hosono, who managed the Fukushima crisis, described the agency as a command center. "As the command center of disaster response, we will do everything to strengthen our preparedness to protect people's lives and properties .. and aim to become the world's most prepared," Hosono said. He noted that Japan sits on the Pacific ring of fire and has never had a dedicated agency for these risks.

Hosono issued emergency requests to municipalities and citizens on Monday. He urged locals to check the quake resistance of their homes, anchor furniture, and evaluate evacuation procedures. Residents are also asked to stock enough water and portable toilets for at least three days. "Please think about it for yourself and take action," Hosono said.

Current data reveals weaknesses in local readiness. Hosono reported that fewer than half of municipal officials have received disaster management training in the past five years. Only 15% of municipalities have evacuation plans for elderly or disabled residents who need assistance. Previously, disaster response relied on temporary teams from different ministries without a permanent cross-departmental leader.

Government assessments project a Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake could cause 298,000 deaths, 6.5 million evacuees, and the loss of 2.35 million homes. A major quake in metropolitan Tokyo could kill an estimated 18,000 people and displace 4.1 million. A Mount Fuji eruption could affect 790,000 people and disrupt key infrastructure. The agency plans to improve evacuation centers by providing clean portable toilets, hot food kitchens, and hot baths to address health issues linked to previous shelter conditions.

Recent events highlight the need for better infrastructure. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto in July killed 38 people and damaged over 69,000 homes. Many residents stayed in vehicles during that event because gymnasium shelters lacked air conditioning. The new agency will oversee these improvements as part of its mandate.