Important Guidance Issued by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency to Promote Nankai Trough Earthquake Preparedness
Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2025 – The Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) of Japan has today issued a significant notification, titled “FUSEIBOU-BOU-DAI No. 1130 and SHOUBOU-SAI No. 119: Regarding the Delivery of Examples for the Nankai Trough Earthquake Disaster Prevention Measures Promotion Plan (Notification)” (令和７年７月31日). This comprehensive guidance, officially dated July 31, 2025, aims to bolster the nation’s preparedness for the anticipated Nankai Trough earthquake by providing concrete examples and frameworks for local governments to develop and enhance their disaster prevention plans.
The Nankai Trough earthquake is a major seismic event predicted to impact a wide swathe of Japan’s Pacific coast, with the potential for catastrophic damage from both the earthquake itself and subsequent tsunamis. Recognizing the urgency and scale of this threat, the FDMA has proactively developed and disseminated these crucial planning resources to prefectural governments across the affected regions.
This notification serves as a vital resource for prefectural authorities responsible for formulating and implementing disaster prevention strategies. It is understood to contain practical examples and best practices that local governments can adapt and implement within their specific jurisdictions. The focus is on the Nankai Trough Earthquake Disaster Prevention Measures Promotion Plan, a critical document outlining the measures to be taken before, during, and after a major earthquake to mitigate damage, ensure public safety, and facilitate recovery.
While specific details of the plan examples are not fully disclosed in the initial announcement, it is highly probable that they encompass a wide range of essential elements. These are likely to include:
- Evacuation Strategies: Detailed plans for the safe and efficient evacuation of residents from coastal and low-lying areas, including designated evacuation routes, shelters, and communication protocols.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Guidance on strengthening critical infrastructure such as lifeline facilities (water, electricity, gas), transportation networks, and communication systems to withstand seismic shocks and tsunamis.
- Emergency Response and Recovery: Frameworks for coordinating emergency services, search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and the immediate post-disaster recovery process.
- Community Engagement and Education: Strategies for raising public awareness about earthquake risks and promoting individual and community-level preparedness activities.
- Resource Allocation and Management: Guidelines for effectively allocating and managing essential resources, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, during a disaster.
- Inter-Prefectural Cooperation: Emphasis on the importance of collaboration and mutual assistance between different prefectures in the event of a widespread disaster.
The issuance of this notification by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency underscores the government’s commitment to proactively addressing the Nankai Trough earthquake threat. By providing tangible examples and guidance, the FDMA empowers local governments to develop robust and effective disaster prevention plans tailored to their unique circumstances. This proactive approach is essential for building a more resilient nation and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to strengthening Japan’s overall disaster preparedness capabilities, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response when the anticipated Nankai Trough earthquake ultimately strikes.
府政防第1130号・消防災第119号 南海トラフ地震防災対策推進計画作成例等の送付について（通知）（令和７年７月31日）
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消防庁 published ‘府政防第1130号・消防災第119号 南海トラフ地震防災対策推進計画作成例等の送付について（通知）（令和７年７月31日）’ at 2025-07-31 10:27. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.